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Antibiotics for Ear Infections

Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat different diseases by killing bacteria and preventing them from reproducing. Different classes of antibiotics exist to treat different kinds of bacterial infections, such as ear infections. The antibiotics used for ear infections are classified as penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfonamides and erythromycins and a combination of these may be prescribed especially to treat middle-ear infections.

  1. Use of Antibiotics

    • Antibiotics fight bacterial infections, but they do not fight fungal infections or viral infections, such as colds and the flu. Directions for taking antibiotics should be followed carefully, placing importance of finishing the prescribed dosage even if your symptoms have improved.

    Penicillin Antibiotics

    • Ear infections can be treated with different types of penicillin antibiotics. The two most popularly prescribed by doctors are amoxicillin and augmentin. Amoxicillin, which is the synthetic form of penicillin, is a generic name for the most common antibiotic prescribed for treating middle-ear infections. Augmentin contains amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, which helps to fight bacteria. Both medications may be used to treat other infections caused by bacteria, including bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, E. coli and salmonella.

    Sulfonamide Antibiotics

    • Bactrim and Septra are brands of sulfonamide antibiotics that are used to treat ear infections. Bactrim and Septra are often prescribed to children who are allergic to penicillin. Gantrisin is a brand name for acetyl sulfisoxazole and is prescribed in combination with penicillin or erythromycin for children with long-lasting or recurrent middle-ear infections as a preventative measure.

    Cephalosporin Antibiotics

    • Cephalosporin antibiotics that are used to treat ear infections include Ceclor, Ceftin, Cefzil, Vantin, Suprax, and Lorabid. Ceclor is the most popular brand as the others are newer medications. Ceclor is also prescribed to treat nose, throat, respiratory, urinary-tract and skin infections caused by bacteria. It is also used to treat sore or strep throat, pneumonia and tonsillitis.

    Combination Antibiotics

    • Pediazole is a combination of erythromycin and sulfisoxazole and is a brand of combination antibiotics used to treat ear infections. As Bactrim and Septra, it is often prescribed to children who are allergic to penicillin and will improve symptoms of middle-ear infections in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

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