Have you ever had an earache or a watery ear while taking a shower? Sometimes, you can get an itchy feeling inside your ear. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe an ear lotion or ear drops. This medicine is not just any medicine, it contains solutions to several ear problems. So today, we're going to talk about what exactly this medicine is, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What is this ear medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of several medications that are given to control your ear infections and related discomfort. There are usually three main ingredients in such a medicine.
1. Chloroxylenol: This works by killing microorganisms, such as bacteria that cause ear infections. To be precise, it acts as an antiseptic .
2. Hydrocortisone: This is a type of steroid . But don't worry, its job is to reduce the swelling, redness, and unbearable itching in the ear. This will give you great relief.
3. Pramoxine: This is used to temporarily reduce pain and discomfort in the ear. That is, it acts like a local anesthetic , reducing the sensation of pain.
This medication is mainly used to treat infections of the outer ear canal. It is also often prescribed for the condition we all know as 'swimmer's ear'.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell them about it.
| Your situation | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If the eardrum is perforated (Perforated Eardrum) | This is the most important thing. If the eardrum is perforated, this medicine can go into the middle ear and cause serious damage. |
| Ear discharge | If something is draining from the ear, it could mean that the infection is serious or that the eardrum is perforated. So the first thing to do is to find out the cause. |
| Allergies to this medicine or other medicines or foods | If you are allergic to the ingredients in this medicine, it can cause serious reactions. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should think twice before using any medication during pregnancy. Your doctor will assess the risks and benefits before making a decision. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The doctor must determine whether the ingredients of the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the full benefit of the medicine, it is very important to use it correctly. Follow these steps.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Shake the bottle: Shake the medicine bottle well before use. This will help mix the medicine evenly.
3. Correct posture: Lie on your side with the ear you want to apply the medicine on facing up. If that's not possible, sit in a chair and tilt your head to the side.
4. Apply the medicine: Put the exact number of drops of medicine that your doctor prescribed into your ear. Here's an important thing to remember: Don't let the tip of the dropper touch the skin inside or outside your ear . Doing so can introduce germs into the medicine bottle.
5. Wait a while: After applying the medicine, stay in that position for about 2-3 minutes. This will allow the medicine to travel well into the ear.
6. Complete the course: This is a mistake that many people make. Use the full number of days prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop halfway just because your symptoms have subsided. If you stop, the infection may come back.
Important: If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, 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 do you do if you forget to take your medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But 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 once.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- If your ear pain, itching, or swelling does not subside after a few days of use, be sure to talk to your doctor again.
- This medicine is not suitable for long-term use. Do not use it for more than the number of days prescribed by the doctor.
- It is very important to keep the ear clean and dry. Be careful not to get water in the ear when bathing. It is a good idea to ask your doctor about bathing with a cotton ball in the ear.
- Don't go swimming until the doctor gives you permission.
- To stop the spread of infection, do not share your towels, pillowcases, etc. with others.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone does.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching or rash-like condition, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Increased ear discomfort | If the ear becomes more inflamed, itchy, red, swollen, or painful than before after applying the medicine. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dry skin | The skin feels dry where the medicine is applied. |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
How do you store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Protect from freezing or extreme heat.
- Close the bottle cap tightly after use.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions, allergies, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have a perforated eardrum.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, for the full number of days prescribed. Do not stop taking it just because the pain has subsided.
- Keep the ear dry while using the medicine. Be careful not to let water run when bathing, and avoid swimming.
- If you develop allergic symptoms (swelling of the face, skin rash) or ear pain or inflammation increases after taking the medicine, inform your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
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