Ear infection, also known as otitis media, is an inflammation of the middle ear as a result of fluid build in the Eustachian tubes that connect the ear to the nose. This fluid buildup allows bacteria to travel to the middle ear and causes ear pain and infection, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarhalis are the most common bacterial organisms responsible for ear infections. While ears infections normally resolve on their own, children and infants as well as adults with severe ear infections require antibiotic treatments.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is a synthetic penicillin drug used for the treatment of ear infections. According to the MayoClinic.com, amaoxicillin is the first choice of antibiotic medication prescribed by doctors for the treatment of ear infections. Similar to other penicillin drugs, amoxicillin destroys the bacterial organisms responsible for the ear infection by inhibiting the biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall. This interaction with the penicillin-binding proteins on the cell membrane forces the cell to release autolysins that destroy the bacteria. Amoxicillin is usually prescribed as a 10-day treatment course; however, most individuals are responsive within a few days.
Macrolides
Macrolides are antibiotic drugs used to treat bacterial infections of the middle ear, also known as otitis media, notes Mini-medicalschool.com. Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin are bacteriostatic drugs that inhibit the production of proteins needed by the bacteria to grow and multiply. By inhibiting the synthesis of these essential proteins, an individual's immune system is able to produce the appropriate amount of antibodies and white blood cells needed mount an appropriate attack and resolve the infection. Side effects commonly associated with macrolide antibiotics include vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.
Sulfonamide Antibiotics
According to the Encyclopedia of Children's Health, sulfonamide antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections including those that cause that an ear infection. Furthermore, sulfonamide antibiotics are usually prescribed to patients who are allergic or resistant to penicillin antibiotics. Acetyl sulfisoxazole is a sulfonamide antibiotic used to treat chronic ear infection in infant. Side effects commonly associated with sulfonamide antibiotics include a fever, rash, shortness of breath and joint pain.
