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The best antibiotic for a bacterial ear infection depends on the type of bacteria colonizing the ear canal. Ear infections occur when bacteria or viruses get into the structures of the ear. Ear infections can occur in different parts of the ear: Ear canal (otitis externa, also called “swimmer’s ear”) Eardrum. Middle ear (otitis media)
Ear infections usually go away on their own, but if they don't, you may need antibiotics to treat them. Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic or an antibiotic ear drop to treat your ear infection. It's important to complete the course of antibiotics prescribed to make sure your ear infection is treated completely and won't come back.
Some evidence suggests that treatment with antibiotics might be helpful for certain children with ear infections. On the other hand, using antibiotics too often can cause bacteria to become resistant to the medicine. Talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of using antibiotics.
Antibiotics. If your doctor decides to go with antibiotics, follow all the instructions. Take all of the doses even if you or your child are feeling better.
Antibiotic ear drops are often prescribed to treat outer ear infections. Commonly prescribed ear drops like Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone), combine an antibiotic and a steroid medication to help with inflammation.
Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for middle ear infections that do not resolve on their own. Antibiotic or antifungal ear drops may be used to treat outer ear infections, while corticosteroid (steroid) ear drops can help ease inflammation and pain.
This kind of ear infection can happen after any condition that keeps fluid from draining from the middle ear. These conditions include allergies, a cold, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection. Middle-ear infections are common in children, but they can also happen in adults.
Sometimes, antibiotics are used to clear the infection. Some people are prone to having multiple ear infections. This can cause hearing problems and other serious complications. Products & Services. A Book: Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance. Symptoms. The onset of signs and symptoms of ear infection is usually rapid. Children.
Overview. Viruses and bacteria can infect undrained fluid inside your middle ear, causing an ear infection. What is an ear infection (acute otitis media)? An ear infection, also called acute otitis media, is a sudden infection in your middle ear. The middle ear is the air-filled space between your eardrum and inner ear.
Do ear infection antibiotics work? Learn when they should be used, when they shouldn't, and what some alternative treatments are for ear infections.