Ear Infection Antibiotics

Our ears are organs that are assigned the task of hearing. These organs collect sound which is important for effective communication. Studies shows that this organ is susceptible to infections, especially during childhood. Ear infections are the result of bacteria making their way into the ear canal. However, bacteria can also gain access to ear parts by entering through the nose. Ear pain, runny nose and partial blockage of ear due to formation of pus are some of the common symptoms associated with an ear infection. Antibiotics are considered to be one of the best ear infection remedies.

Ear Infection Medications

Usually, ear infections go away on their own within a week but when the sufferer does not experience any improvement in his ear problem over a period of time, the doctor is left with no option but to prescribe antibiotics. So, which are the antibiotics that help to get rid of ear infections? Information about ear infection antibiotics for adults as well as children is given below:

Amoxicillin
This oral antibiotic belonging to the penicillin family has been very effective to kill bacteria at the earliest. Intake of low strength amoxicillin tablet once or twice in a day, is all that is required to eliminate this infection in a few days. When antibiotics become necessary to get rid of this annoying issue, taking amoxicillin is the best ear infection treatment.

Cefaclor
This antibiotic does not come from pennicillin group but is actually classified as a cephalosporin. The antibiotics that come under the class of cephalosporins can also help to cure a wide range of bacterial infections, including those that affect the ear and the throat. This is one of the ear infection antibiotics that can substantially bring symptoms under control within 2 - 3 days of usage.

Augmentin ES
This medication also comes in the list of ear infection antibiotics but is used only in severe cases. An acute ear infection might not respond to amoxicillin. The person complaining about ear infection symptoms even after taking amoxicillin for 3 - 4 days, is an indication of its ineffectiveness in eliminating the bacteria. In such cases, doctor recommend augmentin ES, that is actually a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. This antibacterial combination is a powerful enough to destroy the bacteria. The antibiotic resistance shown by the bacteria to amoxicillin, doesn't work in front of augmentin ES, which is a stronger version of amoxicillin. Augmentin ES certainly works to stop the episodes of recurring ear infection.

Ceftriaxone
In some cases, it is observed that the patient experiences frequent bouts of vomiting, during a severe ear infection. In such circumstances, taken the medicine orally would not be a good option. So, doctors go for ceftriaxone (rocephin), which can be administered only through injections. This is one of the ear infection antibiotics that is given only when it is found that the bacteria is resistant to amoxicillin. Ceftriaxone belonging to the cephalosporin family, is an intravenous medications, that has a high success rate in effective management of acute ear infections.

It is advised that patients complete the duration of antibiotic treatment and refrain from discontinuing the medicine after ear infection symptoms subside. This will help to prevent recurrence of ear infections. Keep in mind that antibiotics for ear infections have to be taken only when conservative treatment method fail to reduce the symptoms. In case the bacterial infection doesn't go away in a week's time, one can opt for ear infection antibiotics but should first consult a doctor to know about their exact dosage. Antibiotic treatment can be troublesome if these prescription medications are not taken in the right dosage. So make sure these antibiotics are consumed as instructed by the doctor.
By Nicks J
Published: 7/19/2010