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Evaluating Therapeutic and Chemical Toxicity Using Organ-Cultured Porcine Corneas and Epithelial Wound Healing

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Topical antibiotic ear drops: are they safe?

S Pappas¹, T P Nikolopoulos, S Korres

¹1st ENT Department, Hippokratio General Hospital, Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece. sot1971doc@yahoo.gr

International Journal of Clinical Practice

|August 31, 2006

Summary

Topical antibiotics are the preferred treatment for chronic discharging ears over oral or intravenous options. Quinolone drops are recommended first-line, with careful consideration of potential ototoxicity from other agents.

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Area of Science:

Otolaryngology
Infectious Diseases
Pharmacology

Background:

Discharging ear, or chronic otitis media, is a common condition managed by general practitioners and ENT surgeons.
Systemic antibiotics (oral, intravenous) for ear infections present risks including complications, high costs, and increasing antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare the effectiveness, safety, cost, and complication rates of various otic (ear) antibiotic preparations.
To evaluate topical antibiotic therapy as a primary treatment for chronic discharging ears.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of common otic antibiotic preparations.
Assessment of clinical efficacy versus laboratory antibiograms for topical treatments.
Evaluation of safety profiles, including ototoxicity risks associated with specific agents like gentamicin.

Main Results:

Topical antibiotics demonstrate superior effectiveness and safety compared to systemic routes for chronic otitis media.
Laboratory resistance data (cultures, antibiograms) may not accurately predict clinical outcomes due to high local antibiotic concentrations.
Quinolone ear drops are recommended as a safe first-line treatment; alternatives are viable if quinolones are contraindicated or ineffective, with caution regarding ototoxicity.

Conclusions:

Topical antibiotic preparations are the treatment of choice for chronic discharging ears.
Quinolone drops offer a safer first-line option, but careful selection and patient counseling are necessary to mitigate risks like ototoxicity, especially with agents like gentamicin.