Symptom Finder - Treatment of Otitis Externa
OTITIS EXTERNA
1. Insert a cotton wick in the affected ear. Then apply bacitracin + neomycin + polymyxin-B, and hydrocortisone (Cortisporin) suspension: 5 drops in affected ear applied to the cotton wick q4hrs. May have the patient return for reinsertion of a fresh cotton wick every 2 days in severe cases.
2. Alternatively ciprofloxacin 0.3% + dexamethasone (Ciprodex) suspension 3–4 drops bid may be applied to the cotton wick.
3. In persistent cases prescribe cefaclor (Ceclor) 250–500 mg tid or refer patient to an otolaryngologist.
1. Insert a cotton wick in the affected ear. Then apply bacitracin + neomycin + polymyxin-B, and hydrocortisone (Cortisporin) suspension: 5 drops in affected ear applied to the cotton wick q4hrs. May have the patient return for reinsertion of a fresh cotton wick every 2 days in severe cases.
2. Alternatively ciprofloxacin 0.3% + dexamethasone (Ciprodex) suspension 3–4 drops bid may be applied to the cotton wick.
3. In persistent cases prescribe cefaclor (Ceclor) 250–500 mg tid or refer patient to an otolaryngologist.
