Ear infection, whether caused by bacteria or viruses, remains one of the most common reasons parents seek medical attention for their children, notes MedlinePlus. Physicians use the term "otitis" to refer to the different types of ear infections. Otitis media, the most frequently occurring type of ear infection, involves infection and inflammation that affects the middle ear. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library points out that four out of five cases resolve without treatment, but doctors in the U.S. often select one of a number of commonly-prescribed antibiotics for ear infections.
Amoxicillin and Augmentin
Many doctors make amoxicillin their first choice of antibiotic for ear infections, notes MayoClinic.com. Doctors may prescribe the combination medication augmentin for ear infections. This medication combines amoxicillin with clavulanate potassium. The clavulanate potassium works to overcome bacterial resistance to amoxicillin, notes Drugs.com.
Azithromycin and Erythrocin
Some people are allergic to penicillin and drugs in the penicillin group. For those patients, doctors may prescribe azithromycin or erythrocin, two drugs belonging to the macrolide antibiotic drug class. Those broad spectrum antibiotics work to inhibiting the synthesis of proteins required by the bacteria. Doctors use them for bacterial ear infections and infections in other parts of the body. As with all antibiotics, optimal action of this drug requires a constant level in the bloodstream, and patients should not miss or skip doses. A dosing schedule should space out doses at regular intervals throughout the day, notes Drugs.com.
Sulfisoxazole and Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole
Sulfisoxazole and the combination drug trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole belong to the chemical class of antibiotics known as sulfonamides. Those drugs provide doctors with another treatment option for patients with allergies to drugs in the penicillin group. Sulfonamides work to prevent bacterial growth in the body.
Drugs.com warns that in rare cases, adverse reactions associated with use of sulfonamides have included Stevens-Johnson syndrome, an inflammatory condition involving lesions on the mouth, eyes or anus. Anyone taking sulfisoxazole or trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole for an ear infection or other infections should notify his doctor if he experiences any adverse reaction including skin rash or purplish or reddish spots on the skin.
