When you or someone in your family has an earache or infection, when you go to the doctor, they often give you ear drops, right? So there are many things we need to be careful about when using these ear drops. Today we are talking about a special ear drop made from three types of medicine that is used for ear infections.
What is this medicine? Let's understand it simply.
This is a type of ear drop that is used to treat ear infections. Your doctor may prescribe this medication under different brand names, such as Cortisporin and Pediotic. But they all contain three main types of medication.
1. Neomycin and Polymyxin B: These are two types of antibiotics . Simply put, they kill the bacteria that are causing your ear infection.
2. Hydrocortisone: This is a type of steroid . It is used to reduce redness, itching, swelling, and pain in the ear.
So, the combination of these three types of medicine is a great help in quickly curing ear infections.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor about any of the conditions listed below, especially if you have any of the following conditions.
| Situation to be reported | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If the eardrum is perforated (Perforated ear drum) | If this medicine is used when the eardrum is perforated, it can travel to the inner ear and cause damage. |
| If you have any other active infection | The doctor should decide whether to use this medicine when there are other infections. |
| If you have frequent ear infections or fluid buildup in your ears | In such situations, the treatment regimen may change. |
| If you have allergies to these medications or other medications or foods | If you are allergic to things like Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Hydrocortisone, or sulfites, the medicine can cause severe reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | In these cases, the doctor should consider whether the medicine is having an effect on the child. |
How to use these ear drops properly?
To get the most out of your medication, it's important to use it correctly. Let's take a look at exactly how to do that.
1. Wash your hands: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
2. Clean the ear: If there is any fluid coming out of the ear, gently wipe it away with a clean cloth or tissue. Never put a cotton bud or anything else inside the ear.
3. Warm the bottle: If the medicine bottle seems a little cold, warm it up a bit by holding it between your palms for a minute or two. This will make it easier to insert into your ear.
4. Correct posture: Lie on your side with the infected ear facing up.
5. Apply the medicine: Shake the bottle well before using. Be careful not to touch the tip of the dropper to your ear, fingertips, or anywhere else. Gently squeeze the bottle to dispense the prescribed number of drops of medicine into the ear canal.
6. Wait a while: After applying the medicine, hold the position for about 30 to 60 seconds. This will allow the medicine to be absorbed well into the ear.
7. For the other ear: If both ears are infected, apply the medicine to the other ear in the same way.
Very important: Even if you feel a little better, take the full course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, the infection may come back.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
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 your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What if the medicine is used too much?
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.
Other things to be careful about when using the medicine
- If your ear infection doesn't seem to be getting better after using the medicine for a few days, tell your doctor.
- Do not use this medicine for more than 10 days without the advice of a doctor.
- If you develop a rash or other allergic symptoms in or around the ear after applying the medication, stop using the medication immediately and see your doctor.
- It is very important to keep the infected ear clean and dry . Be careful not to get water in the ear when bathing. Do not use swimming pools until your doctor gives you permission.
- To prevent the infection from spreading to others, do not share your ear drops, towels, or hand sanitizer with others.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medication, this one can cause side effects in some people. Let's find out what they are and what to do if they occur.
| Side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Skin rash | Stop taking the medicine immediately and seek medical advice. |
| Redness, itching, dryness, and peeling of the skin where the medicine is applied | This could be a sign of an allergy. Inform your doctor. |
| If the ear pain gets worse after using medication | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| A burning or tingling sensation in the ear when the medication is applied | This usually goes away after a while. If it persists, tell your doctor . |
| Feeling an unusual sensation inside the ear | If it persists or causes you discomfort, inform your doctor. |
How to store the medicine?
To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored correctly.
- Keep away from children. This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Never store in the freezer.
- Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share your medicine with others, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
Take-Home Message
- Always use these ear drops exactly as your doctor tells you, in the amount and for the duration prescribed.
- Even if your symptoms subside, finish the full course of medication prescribed.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses and allergies you have before taking the medication.
- If the medication causes skin irritation or increases pain, stop taking the medication immediately and see a doctor.
- Store the medicine bottle in a safe place out of the reach of children.
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