Ear infections are very common, especially in children. They generally come in one of two forms. The first is an outer canal skin infection, called otitis externa. This infection is typically caused by common bacteria that live on the skin, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The other form of ear infection affects the middle ear behind the eardrum and is called otitis media. The common organisms that cause this infection are Pneumococcus species, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella species.
Both types of ear infection can present with pain, ear drainage and decreased hearing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child who is 6 months old or younger should be treated with antibiotics even if the doctor only suspects a middle ear infection.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that is in the penicillin drug class and is taken orally. It acts by attacking the bacterial cell wall. Amoxicillin has been in use for a long time and is safe and effective, especially for middle ear infections. Its most serious side effects are diarrhea, nausea and allergic reactions. Infants with known penicillin or cephalosporin allergies should not receive amoxicillin due to the risk of developing a reaction.
Ofloxacin
Ofloxacin is an antibiotic ear drop medication that is often used for ear canal and middle ear infections. It can be administered twice daily and is very effective against common skin bacteria. Ofloxacin is in a drug class called quinolones, and is very safe since it stays on the external skin and does not enter the bloodstream. Antibiotic ear drops are also sometimes combined in a steroid solution, which helps to decrease inflammation in the ear.
Ceftin
Ceftin is in a class of drugs called cephalosporins. This class of medications is similar to penicillin in that it works against the bacterial cell wall, but does so by stopping the cell wall from forming. Taken orally, ceftin is effective against species of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and numerous other organisms that may cause ear infections. The most common side effects of ceftin are diarrhea, nausea and allergic reactions. Because of the similarity between ceftin and penicillin, infants with penicillin allergy should not receive ceftin due to risk of a cross-reaction.
References
- Clinical Practice Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media
- "British Medical Journal"; Clinical efficacy of three common treatments in acute otitis externa in primary care: randomised controlled trial; Frank van Balen; November 2003
- "Journal of the Chinese Medical Association"; Ear Problems in Swimmers; Mao-Che Wang; August 2005
