Medicines and Products for Ear Infection

Medicines for ear infection depend on the type and on the child's age. A doctor should look in the ear before any ear medicine is used.

Pain and fever

Paracetamol or ibuprofen, dosed by weight, is the most important treatment. Pain relief is the humane core of care, and it is needed even when antibiotics are not.

Antibiotics

• Many middle ear infections clear on their own. For mild cases in children over about 2 years, doctors often use watchful waiting for 2 to 3 days with pain relief.
• Antibiotics are advised for young babies, severe symptoms, both ears infected, or no improvement. Amoxicillin is usually the first choice.
• Finish the course the doctor prescribes. Do not use leftover antibiotics.

Ear drops

• Antibiotic or steroid ear drops are used for swimmer's ear and for some discharging ears.
• Drops go in only if a doctor has confirmed the eardrum is intact or has chosen a drop that is safe for a perforation. Never use drops from an old prescription or a neighbour.

Products to skip

• Home or over-the-counter oils, herbal drops, and ear candles. Ear candling does not work and has caused burns and blocked ears.
• Decongestant or antihistamine syrups for young children, which do not help ear infections.

Ayurvedic products. Classical oils such as bilva taila are described in the texts for ear pain, but they were used by physicians in the clinic. Do not use any ear oil at home during an infection. Evidence for these in children is limited, and an adjunct never replaces examination.

Always ask the doctor about the plan if antibiotics are delayed: what signs mean you should start them, when to come back, and which dose of pain relief is safe. Keep a written note of the weight-based dose so that night-time decisions are easier.