What ear drops can I use for ear pain while taking amoxicillin (amoxicillin)?

Ear Drops for Pain Relief While Taking Amoxicillin

For ear pain relief while taking amoxicillin, topical steroid-containing ear drops such as hydrocortisone-acetic acid drops are recommended as they provide effective pain relief without interfering with your antibiotic treatment.

First-Line Options for Ear Pain Relief

• Hydrocortisone-acetic acid ear drops are recommended for ear pain relief, administered as 3-5 drops 3-4 times daily for at least 7 days 1
• Topical steroid-containing ear drops can hasten pain relief when used alongside your systemic antibiotic (amoxicillin) 2
• Pain relief should begin within 48-72 hours of starting appropriate topical therapy 2

Administration Technique

• Have someone else administer the drops when possible, while lying down with the affected ear facing upward 1
• Fill the ear canal completely with the solution and remain in this position for 3-5 minutes to allow adequate penetration 1
• "Pump" the flap of skin in front of the ear canal (tragus) a few times after placing the drops to help them enter the ear canal 2

Important Precautions

• Do not use topical anesthetic drops (such as benzocaine) as they are not FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness, and may mask progression of underlying disease 2
• Topical anesthetic drops should not be used if you have a tympanostomy tube or if there is uncertainty regarding the integrity of your eardrum 2
• Keep your ear dry during treatment and avoid scratching or inserting anything into the ear canal 1

Oral Pain Management

• For additional pain relief, oral acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are effective 2
• Oral pain medications can be used alongside ear drops, especially during the first few days until the ear drops begin working 2, 3
• Evidence shows both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are more effective than placebo in relieving ear pain 3

When to Seek Further Medical Attention

• Contact your doctor if pain or other symptoms fail to improve within 48-72 hours of starting treatment 2, 1
• If ear drainage continues for more than 7 days or occurs frequently, consult your doctor 2
• If you experience unexpected symptoms or if the drops become painful, seek medical attention 1

Duration of Treatment

• Continue using ear drops for at least 7 days, even if symptoms improve sooner, to prevent relapse 2, 1
• If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, continue treatment until symptoms resolve, for a maximum of 14 days total 1

Remember that while you're already taking amoxicillin, topical treatments alone are generally effective for ear pain relief, and additional systemic antibiotics are typically not necessary unless there is extension of infection outside the ear canal 2.