Let's learn exactly about ear drops for ear infections! (Neomycin; Polymyxin B; Hydrocortisone)

Sometimes you go to the doctor because you have an earache, a discharge from your ear, or a feeling of heaviness in your ear. So if the doctor decides that you have a bacterial ear infection, he may give you ear drops. Today we are going to talk about one of the most commonly used ear drops.

What really happens with this medicine?

This medicine is actually a combination of three medications. Simply put, it contains:

• Two types of antibiotics : Neomycin and Polymyxin B. These two work to kill the bacteria that caused your ear infection.
• A type of steroid : Hydrocortisone . This reduces swelling, redness, itching , and pain inside the ear caused by infection .

So, the combination of all three will help heal your ear infection quickly.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine

Before the doctor prescribes this medicine for you, it is very important to clearly state some things about your health condition, as it will greatly affect your safety.

• If you have an allergy to `Neomycin`, `Polymyxin B`, `Hydrocortisone`, or any other medicine, food, or dye contained in this medicine, be sure to mention it.
• If you have a perforated ear drum or have had one in the past, you should inform your doctor about it.
• Tell your doctor if you have a chronic ear infection or a condition where fluid accumulates in your ear.
• It is very important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding .
• If you have any other infections or other illnesses, please tell us about them as well.

Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not.

How do you put the medicine in the ear correctly?

To get the most out of your medication, it's important to use it correctly. Imagine you're following these steps.

1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. This will prevent the spread of germs.

2. Clean the ear: If there is any fluid that is easily removed from the ear, gently wipe it with a clean cotton ball or tissue. Never try to clean it with cotton buds or anything else.

3. Warm the bottle: If the medicine bottle seems a little cold, hold it in your hand for a minute or two to warm it up a bit. This will reduce the discomfort you feel when putting it in your ear.

4. Correct posture: Lie down with the infected ear facing up.

5. Apply the medicine: Be careful not to let the top of the bottle (dropper) touch your ear, fingertips, or anywhere else. Squeeze the bottle several times and put the exact number of drops your doctor prescribed into your ear.

6. Wait a while: After applying the medicine, hold the position for about 30 to 60 seconds. This will give the medicine time to absorb into the ear.

7. For the other ear: If you have an infection in both your ears, apply the medicine to the other ear in the same way.

Should this medicine be given to small children?

This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children. However, this should be decided by a pediatrician. If you are using this medicine on a child, there are special precautions to be taken, so follow the doctor's instructions carefully.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Things to be careful about when using this medicine

• If your ear infection doesn't seem to be getting better after a few days of using medication, tell your doctor.
• Do not use this medicine for more than 10 days without the advice of a doctor.
• If you experience an allergic reaction, such as skin rash or itching, while using the medicine, stop using the medicine immediately and see your doctor.
• It is very important to keep the infected ear clean and dry . When bathing, be careful not to get water in the ear. Do not go swimming until your doctor gives you permission.
• To prevent spreading the infection to others, do not share your ear drops, towels, or hand sanitizer with others.

What are the possible side effects of the medicine?

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone does.

What if I miss a dose of medicine?

If you forget to take your medicine at the scheduled time, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

How should I store the medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.Store at room temperature (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius) is best. Do not freeze. If you have any expired medications, get rid of them.