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MEDICATION
Medication Summary
Most cases of otitis externa (OE) are caused by superficial bacterial infections and can be
treated with over-the-counter analgesics and topical eardrops. Commonly used topical eardrops
are acetic acid drops, which change the pH of the ear canal; antibacterial drops, which control
bacterial growth; and antifungal preparations. Oral or parenteral antibiotics are reserved for
severe cases. Otic antibiotic and steroid combinations have shown to be highly successful in
treatment. The corticosteroid ingredient decreases inflammation and can help to ease the pain.
These eardrops treat bacterial infection and reduce canal edema. The agents commonly
prescribed for treating otitis externa are associated with cure rates between 87% and 97%. [19]
In severe cases, oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy and narcotic analgesics may be
required.
Antibiotics
Class Summary
Most cases of OE are caused by superficial bacterial infections. Accordingly, most individuals
with this condition may be treated with topical antibiotic preparations. Some preparations also
contain a corticosteroid ingredient. The small amount of steroid that is present in the solution
can help to ease the pain and edema associated with OE.
Ofloxacin otic
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Otic ofloxacin is a pyridine carboxylic acid derivative with broad-spectrum effect that inhibits
Otic ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that inhibits bacterial synthesis (and thus growth) by
inhibiting DNA gyrase. It has activity against pseudomonads, streptococci, methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis, and most gram-negative
organisms but has no activity against anaerobes. It is available with or without hydrocortisone.
Cetraxal is an otic solution available as 14 single-use applicators containing 0.25 mL of 0.2%
solution each. Ciloxan is an ophthalmic solution that may be used for OE.
Dexamethasone/tobramycin (TobraDex)
Tobramycin interferes with bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 30S and 50S ribosomal
subunits, thereby causing defects in the bacterial cell membrane. Dexamethasone decreases
inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and reducing
capillary permeability. TobraDex is an ophthalmic solution that may be used for OE.
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis (and thus growth) by
inhibiting DNA gyrase and topoisomerases, which are required for replication, transcription, and
translation of genetic material. It has activity against pseudomonads, streptococci, MRSA, S
epidermidis, and most gram-negative organisms but not against anaerobes. Dexamethasone
decreases external auditory canal (EAC) inflammation by suppressing migration of PMNs and
reducing capillary permeability; it also relieves pain symptoms.
This otic suspension is indicated for use in OE, as well as for use in otitis media in individuals
with tympanostomy tubes.
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis (and thus growth) by
inhibiting DNA gyrase and topoisomerases, which are required for replication, transcription, and
Otic, Other
Class Summary
Inflammation and accumulated debris allow the growth of bacterial species. This growth is
counteracted by the use of mild acidifying medications, such as acetic acid solutions. These
agents are useful for fungal OE or for mild OE believed to be of bacterial origin. They can also
be useful for prevention.
Aluminum acetate has a drying effect. Acetic acid works well in superficial bacterial infections of
OE.
Oral Antibiotics
Class Summary
Oral antibiotics are used to treat severe infection or cellulitis. Fluoroquinolones are the drugs of
choice by virtue of their coverage of Pseudomonas species.
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis (and thus growth) by
inhibiting DNA gyrase and topoisomerases, which are required for replication, transcription, and
translation of genetic material. It has activity against pseudomonads, streptococci, MRSA, S
epidermidis, and most gram-negative organisms but not against anaerobes.
Analgesics
Class Summary
OE can be quite painful, and control of this pain is essential to quality patient care. Analgesics
ensure patient comfort and may have sedating properties. Inexpensive, simple nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation and irritation and can be paired with opiates
to improve pain symptoms.
Over-the-counter acetaminophen is appropriate for most patients. It is the drug of choice for
pain in patients who are known to be hypersensitive to aspirin or NSAIDs, who have upper GI
gastrointestinal (GI) disease, or who are taking oral anticoagulants.
The combination of acetaminophen and codeine is indicated for the treatment of mild to
moderate pain.
Antifungals, Other
Class Summary
A small but significant percentage of OE cases are due to Aspergillus species or other yeasts
and fungi (otomycosis). Some cases of fungal OE can be treated with acidifying drops; topical
antifungal agents are used to treat otomycosis refractory to these drops. The mechanism of
action of topical antifungal agents usually involves inhibition of the pathways (eg, enzymes,
substrates, and transport) necessary for sterol/cell membrane synthesis or those involved in
altering the permeability of the fungal cell membrane (eg, polyenes).
effective against various yeasts and yeastlike fungi. It changes the permeability of the fungal cell
membrane after binding to cell membrane sterols, causing the cellular contents to leak.
Treatment should continue until 48 hours after the disappearance of symptoms. Topical
application of nystatin reduces fungal growth.
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