A middle ear infection may not be treated with medicine right away. Most pass on their own in 2 to 3 days. Infections that are severe or last longer than expected may be treated with antibiotics. They may also be given to babies under 6 months of age and children with other health problems. There is always a risk that a person may develop a resistance to antibiotics when they are taken too often. This can make it harder for antibiotics to fight future infections.
Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.
Prescription Medications
- Amoxicillin
- Amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate
- Azithromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin-sulfisoxazole
- Cefdinir
- Cefpodoxime
- Cefuroxime
- Ceftriaxone
Over the Counter Medications
Prescription Medications
All of the prescription medicines are antibiotics. A doctor usually starts with one that can kill many types of germs. Antibiotics that attack specific germs may be used if the infection does not go away.
Common names are:
- Amoxicillin
- Amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate
Penicillins are used to treat infections caused by a bacteria. They are not helpful against an infection caused by a virus. It may be given as a liquid, chewable tablets, or pills. The medicine may be given as 2 to 3 doses per day for at least 10 days. It may take several days before the infection passes.
Problems may be:
Common names are:
- Azithromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin-sulfisoxazole
May be used in people who are allergic to penicillin. These drugs may be given as a liquid or tablet. They are taken 2 to 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days. Some may need to be taken with food.
Problems may be:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Belly pain
- Diarrhea and gas
- Allergic reaction, such as hives and problems breathing
- Headache
Common names are:
- Cefdinir
- Cefpodoxime
- Cefuroxime
- Ceftriaxone—injected
They will be given as a liquid or pills that are taken 2 to 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days. Ceftriaxone is injected. Some children who are allergic to penicillin are also allergic to cephalosporins.
Problems may be:
- Rash
- Severe itching
- Allergic reaction, such as hives and lightheadedness
Antibiotics should be taken as advised. Skipping doses can lead to an infection that keeps coming back. It can also cause a resistance to the antibiotic.
Over the Counter Medications
Ibuprofen helps to ease fever, pain, and inflammation. It can help in the early days of an infection.
Problems may be:
- Belly pain
- Allergic reaction, such as facial swelling
Acetaminophen helps to ease pain and fever. It should not be taken with other medicines that may also have acetaminophen, such as cold medicines.
Common names are:
- Ametocaine
- Benzocaine
- Lidocaine
These ear drops can numb the ear to ease pain. They may be used along with pain medicine. Ear drops should not be used if the eardrum has been damaged.
Ear drops should only be needed for the first 1 to 2 days of treatment in people who are also taking antibiotics. If the pain lasts longer, it may mean that the antibiotic is not working.
References
Acute otitis media (AOM) in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-otitis-media-aom-in-children. Accessed May 17, 2022.
Ear infections in children. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders website. Available at: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children. Accessed May 17, 2022.
Middle ear infections. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Middle-Ear-Infections.aspx. Accessed May 17, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Kari Kuenn, MD
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 05/18/2022