Do you sometimes experience earache, a stabbing pain, or constant itching? This can happen especially after bathing or swimming. Isn't this very annoying? So, the ear drops we are talking about today are a medicine that doctors often prescribe to control such infections in the outer part of the ear and the pain and itching that come with it.
What really happens with this medicine?
There are three types of medicine in this bottle of ear drops. Simply put, these three work together to do three things.
1. Chloroxylenol: This kills the germs (bacteria, fungi) that are causing your ear infection. This means it is an antiseptic .
2. Hydrocortisone: This is a type of steroid. But don't worry, it's a very mild steroid. It works by reducing the redness, swelling, and itching caused by an ear infection.
3. Pramoxine: This works by reducing the pain you feel. That is, it temporarily numbs the area and relieves the pain.
The combination of these three provides quick relief and healing, especially for conditions like outer ear canal infections known as `Swimmer's Ear`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. It is essential that your doctor is aware of these things before prescribing this medication for you.
Imagine that you have a small hole in your eardrum (perforated eardrum). Then these ear drops could go deep into the ear and cause other problems. That's why it's important to tell your doctor these details accurately.
| Situation to be reported | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Other active infections | If you have any other infections in addition to this ear problem. |
| Ear discharge | If you have yellow, white, or other colored fluid (pus) coming out of your ear. |
| Perforated eardrum | If you have previously had a perforated eardrum or suspect that you may have one now. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to these medications, other medications, foods, or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How do you use these ear drops exactly?
To get the full benefit of the medicine, it is very important to use it correctly. Let's see how.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Warm the bottle a little: It can be uncomfortable to put cold medicine in your ear. So, warm the bottle a little by holding it in your hand for a minute or two.
3. Correct posture: Lie on your side with the infected ear facing up.
4. Apply the medicine: Be careful not to let the tip of the dropper touch the inside of the ear, your fingers, or anywhere else, and apply the medicine drops as directed by your doctor. If the tip of the dropper touches anything, it can transfer germs to the bottle.
5. Hold for a while: Hold in that position for about a minute to allow the medicine to absorb well into your ear.
6. For the other ear: If there is an infection in both ears, turn to the other side and apply the medicine to the other ear in the same way.
7. Complete the course: This is very important. Even if you feel better in two or three days, take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, the infection may come back.
What if it is used for small children?
If you are giving this medicine to children, special precautions may be required, so be sure to talk to a pediatrician before using it on a child.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this 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.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Be careful of these things when using the medicine.
- If your ear infection doesn't go away after a few days, tell your doctor.
- Do not use this medicine for a long time without your doctor's advice.
- Do not use this medicine if there is pus-like discharge from the ear.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms such as ear discharge, severe itching, or swelling while using the medication, stop using the medication immediately and see your doctor.
- It is very important to keep the infected ear clean and dry . Do not let water get into the ear when bathing. You can put some Vaseline on a cotton ball to make it water-resistant. Do not go swimming until your doctor gives you permission.
- To prevent the spread of infection , do not share items such as your ear drops bottle or towels with anyone else.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects in some people.
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|
How to protect and store medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Never store in the freezer.
- After use, close the bottle cap tightly.
- Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Always use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, for the full duration of the treatment.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions, allergies, and especially any previous ear problems you may have.
- Learn the correct way to put medicine in your ear. This will help you get the most out of the medicine.
- Complete the prescribed course of medication, even if your symptoms subside.
- If you develop an allergic reaction or your symptoms worsen, consult your doctor before stopping the medication immediately.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never let anyone else use your ear drops.
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