From the Research
For grommet-associated otorrhea, the recommended dose of ciprofloxacin otic drops is typically a single intraoperative application or an extended 5-day postoperative application, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The study found that intraoperative antibiotics were more effective than no drops in preventing otorrhoea, and postoperative antibiotics were more effective than no drops in preventing ventilation tube obstruction. Key points to consider when administering ciprofloxacin otic drops include:
- Warming the drops to room temperature before administration to prevent dizziness
- Instilling the drops with the affected ear upward and remaining in that position for 3-5 minutes to allow the medication to penetrate the ear canal
- Gently pressing the tragus a few times to help the drops move inward
- Ciprofloxacin provides broad-spectrum coverage against common pathogens causing otorrhea, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, with minimal side effects due to local action without significant systemic absorption. If symptoms persist beyond the treatment period or worsen, medical reassessment is necessary. It is essential to weigh the benefits of treatment against the risks of side effects and antibiotic resistance, as noted in earlier studies 2, 3, 4, 5. However, the most recent study 1 provides the strongest evidence for the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin in preventing postoperative otorrhoea and tube obstruction, guiding the recommendation for its use in clinical practice.