Have you ever had an earache? Or maybe you know the helplessness you feel when your little one wakes up in the middle of the night and cries, "Mommy, my ear hurts." Earaches are really annoying. Sometimes, this pain can be caused by an infection inside the ear, or a buildup of ear wax. When you go to the doctor at a time like this, they will often give you a liquid medicine called ear drops to put in your ear. That's what we're going to talk about today.
What actually happens with these ear drops?
The ear drops your doctor prescribes usually contain several key ingredients. Let's take a look at what they are and what they do.
Simply put, this medicine performs two or three main functions:
1. Reduces pain: This helps control pain and swelling in the ear.
2. Numbs the ear: Provides quick relief by temporarily numbing the area of pain, similar to an injection given before a tooth extraction.
3. Softens earwax: Sometimes, if the earwax is too hard and stuck, it can be softened and removed easily.
This bottle of medicine contains ingredients called `Antipyrine`, `Benzocaine`, and `U-Polycosanol 410` (possibly a solvent like glycerin).
- Antipyrine: This is the main ingredient that reduces pain and swelling.
- Benzocaine: This is the local anesthetic we mentioned. This provides quick pain relief within a short time after applying the medication.
- U-Polycosanol 410 / Glycerin: This is a solvent and helps soften earwax.
The most important thing is that this medicine should only be used under the advice of a doctor . It is not a good medicine to buy on your own from a pharmacy and use at will.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, it is very important to tell him some facts about your health condition, because there are some cases where it is not appropriate to use this medicine.
| Your situation | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If there is a discharge (fluid) coming from the ear | A discharge from the ear often means that there is a perforated eardrum. In such cases, this medicine can go deep into the ear and cause damage. |
| If you know you have a hole in your eardrum | This is a very dangerous situation. It is strictly forbidden for someone with a perforated eardrum to use this medicine. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about this. |
| If you have allergies to this medicine or other medicines | Some people can be allergic to things like benzocaine, so be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have. |
| If you are a pregnant mother or trying to get pregnant | We should think twice about using any medication during pregnancy. So talk to your doctor about this. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | It is important to talk to your doctor to make sure whether the ingredients of the medicine pass to the baby through breast milk or not. |
How do you put these ear drops in your ears correctly?
To get the most out of your medication, it's important to use it correctly. Imagine you're giving this medication to your child. Here's what you need to do in order.
1. Cleanliness first: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Also, gently wipe around the baby's ears with a clean cotton ball.
2. Warm the bottle a little: Warm the medicine bottle by holding it between your hands for a minute or two. Never heat it with hot water . Why do we do this? When a cold liquid suddenly enters the ear, it can cause dizziness. This is to prevent that.
3. Correct posture: Turn the person (if it's a child) to the other side and have them lie down so that the ear to be administered is on top.
4. Put the medicine in the ear: If it's an adult, pull the ear up and back. If it's a small child, pull the ear down and back. This will straighten the ear canal and allow the medicine to enter more easily. Now put the medicine in the ear as directed by the doctor.
5. Stay in that position for a while: Keep the ear where the medicine was applied facing up for a few minutes. This will allow the medicine to penetrate well and start working.
6. Place a cotton ball (if necessary): Only if your doctor tells you to, place a clean cotton ball outside the ear. This will stop the medicine from leaking out.
7. Take care of the dropper: Do not let the tip of the dropper touch your hands, fingers, or ears. Doing so can transfer germs to the bottle and contaminate the medicine. Also, do not wash the dropper after using it.
When used for small children
Special care is needed when giving this medicine to young children. Therefore, follow the doctor's instructions exactly. Ask him exactly how much to give the child, how many times a day, and for how long.
Be careful of these things when using them.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take your medicine, 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 two doses at the same time.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you accidentally take more medicine than you think, don't worry. However, if someone swallows this medicine, it can be dangerous. If this happens, take them to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Also, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
How long should I use it?
This medicine is not intended for continuous use. Use it only for the number of days your doctor tells you to. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse, see your doctor right away.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but most people don't.
| If these symptoms occur, stop taking the medicine immediately and tell your doctor. | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | Description |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin irritation, itching, redness of the skin, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. These can be dangerous, so seek medical advice immediately. |
| Ear inflammation or increased pain | If you experience increased ear inflammation, pain, or discomfort after using the medication, it may not be right for you. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
How do you keep the medicine bottle safe?
- Keep out of reach of children: This is very important. Keep medicine bottles out of reach of small children.
- Proper temperature: Room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) is best. Protect from extreme heat or cold. Do not store in the fridge or freezer.
- After expiration: Do not use the medicine after the expiration date stated on the bottle. Dispose of it safely.
We hope this article has given you a better understanding of this medication. Remember, this is just a summary. Please discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- These ear drops should always be used only on the advice of a doctor.
- If you have any discharge coming from your ear or if you know that you have a perforated eardrum, do not use this medicine for any reason.
- Warming the bottle slightly in your hand before putting the medicine in your ear can help prevent discomfort such as dizziness.
- Do not allow the tip of the medicine bottle's dropper to touch your ear, skin, or any other surface.
- If allergic symptoms (skin rash, itching, swelling) occur, stop using the medicine immediately and inform your doctor.
- Avoid using this medicine for longer than the number of days prescribed by your doctor.
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