The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

Ear infections generally are treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are only effective against infections caused by bacteria. If an ear infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not relieve the infection. In addition, decongestants and antihistamines are not recommended to treat an ear infection.

The medications listed below are commonly used for otitis media. For acute otitis, most experts currently recommend initial use of “high dose” amoxicillin, reserving other medications for use only when there is no improvement after 48 hours. The most widely recommended “second line” antibiotics are probably amoxicillin with ]]>potassium clavulante]]> (Augmentin), ]]>Cefprozil]]> (or the closely-related drugs Cefpoxoxime and ]]>Cefdinir]]> ), and the injectable antibiotic ]]>ceftriaxone]]> .

Prescription Medications

]]>Penicillins]]>

  • Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Polymox)
  • Amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate (Augmentin)

]]>Erythromycins]]>

  • Azithromycin (Zithromax)
  • Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
  • Erythromycin-sulfisoxazole (Pediazole)

]]>Cephalosporins]]>

  • Cefdinir (Omnicef)
  • Cefpodoxime (Vantin)
  • Cefuroxime (Ceftin)
  • Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Over-the-Counter Medications

Prescription Medications

All of the prescription medications listed below are antibiotics. In some cases, a specific antibiotic may be prescribed because it is effective against the particular organism causing the ear infection. Usually, however, the specific organism is not known, and the physician will prescribe an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, that is effective against most of the organisms commonly associated with ear infections. Because some bacteria have developed resistance to many antibiotics, your physician may have to try several antibiotics before the infection is cured. The medications listed below are only a selection of those frequently used to treat otitis.

Unnecessary antibiotic usage leads to antibiotic resistance that may make serious infections, like ]]>pneumonia]]> , more difficult to treat. For this reason, many experts recommend that children with otitis who are older than two years may not need antibiotics until a 2-3 day trial with pain relievers alone has been attempted and found to be unsuccessful. Some mild forms of otitis, especially if caused by a virus, are self limiting and do not require antibiotics.

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Penicillin-like Medications

Common names include:

  • Amoxicillin]]> (eg, Amoxil, Polymox)
  • Amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate (Augmentin)

Penicillins are used to treat bacterial infections. These drugs may be provided in a liquid suspension, which is easier to give to small children, chewable tablets for older children, or pills for adults. Treatment usually involves 2-3 doses per day for at least 10 days, although some doctors are investigating the use of shorter treatment times. It may take several days before the medicine takes effect. The combination of amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate (Augmentin) may be used if resistance to amoxicillin is suspected.

Possible side effects include:

  • Rash: This can be due to allergy to Penicillin and may be a serious problem. If skin rash develops, stop taking the medication and contact the doctor.
  • Vaginal itching or burning
  • Nausea, stomach pain, ]]>diarrhea]]>

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Erythromycin

Common names include:

These drugs may be used if you have a known allergy to penicillin or develop one during treatment. Some erythromycins are taken with food, while others are not. Your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist can advise you about the specific medicine you are using. A common side effect of erythromycin treatment is abdominal pain and/or diarrhea, which can be fairly severe at times. Allergic reactions, including ]]>hives]]> and respiratory difficulties, also may occur. If you experience these serious side effects, stop taking the medication immediately, and seek emergency medical care immediately. Pediazole contains a sulfa medicine which must not be taken by children allergic to “Bactrim,” “Septra,” or other sulfa-containing medications. While widely-used, these medications are not included on many experts' lists of best acute otitis treatment.

Possible side effects include:

  • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
  • Loose stools, flatulence
  • Headache

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Cephalosporins

Common names include:

Like the erythromycins, these medications may be used if previous medications were ineffective against your infection. They are usually provided in a liquid suspension (for children) or in capsules and are taken 2-3 times a day for 7-10 days. You should not take these medications if you are allergic to cephalosporins. Some children who are allergic to penicillin are also allergic to cephalosporins. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medication allergies. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) can be effective against otitis when given as a single shot, and a 3-day course has been shown to be better in more complicated cases. Extreme itching, hives, or faintness after a dose may be a sign of a serious allergic reaction and may require emergency medical care.

Possible side effects include:

  • Rashes, redness
  • Itching

Over-the-Counter Medications

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Ibuprofen

Common brand names include:

Ibuprofen helps to reduce fever, pain, and inflammation and can be useful during the early days of an ear infection. Ibuprofen can be taken with food or alone, although it may cause stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach. Don’t use ibuprofen for more than three days without consulting your physician.

Possible side effects include:

  • Stomach pain
  • Allergic reactions, including wheezing, facial swelling

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Acetaminophen

Common brand names include:

Acetaminophen helps reduce pain and fever. It is less likely to cause stomach upset than ibuprofen, but might be less effective in reducing fever. This drug may be taken alone or with food, but it should not be used with other products containing acetaminophen, such as certain cold preparations. Don’t use acetaminophen for more than three days without consulting your physician.

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Ear Drops

Common brand names include:

Ear drops containing a local anaesthetic, like ametocaine, benzocaine, or lidocaine, are used for temporary relief of ear pain. In children, ear drops can help decrease pain, especially when the drops are used with oral pain relievers.

If you are also taking antibiotics, the pain-relieving drops are usually only needed for the first 1-2 days of treatment. If your pain lasts longer, it may mean that the infection is not responding to antibiotic treatment.

If there is a chance that the eardrum has ruptured, do not use ear drops.

When to Contact Your Doctor

  • Still experiencing ear pain after several days of treatment
  • Develop a high fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Develop a rash or breathing difficulties

Special Considerations

If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:

  • Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.
  • Do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor.
  • Do not share them.
  • Know what the results and side effects. Report them to your doctor.
  • Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one drug. This includes over-the-counter medication and herb or dietary supplements.
  • Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.