Antiobiotics for Ear Infections

Infections of the middle ear sometimes clear up on their own. However, in many cases, doctors will prescribe antibiotics in order to help the bacteria causing the ear infection to dissipate. Antibiotics help the body kill bacteria. They are classified as a drug, which means they must be approved by the FDA.

Penicillin

• Penicillins are commonly prescribed to treat ear infections. Amoxicillin and Augmentin are both penicillins. Amoxicillin, which is simply a synthetic form of penicillin, is the generic name for almost all antibiotics prescribed for the treatment of ear infections. Doctors often prescribe it because it causes less diarrhea than other variants of antibiotics. Amoxicillin is inexpensive, taken just three times a day, and is also absorbed well by the body. Aside from mild diarrhea, some of its side effects may include rashes. Rashes may be a sign though that the patient is allergic to the antibiotic.

  Augmentin on the other hand is a form of amoxicillin with added ingredients for the purpose of inhibiting bacterial resistance. When other medications have failed, this drug may do the job of clearing up the infection.

Sulfonamide

• There are three types of Sulfonamide antibiotics prescribed for the treatment of ear infections. Septra and Bactrim are two known labels or brand names of the Sulfonamide drug, which is often combined with Trimethoprim. These drugs are used to treat kids who have allergic reactions to penicillin. Their side effects however may include rashes, diarrhea, vomiting, reduction in white blood cells, and increased sensitivity to sunlight and mild nausea.

  Gantrisin when in liquid form, is the label for acetyl sulfisoxazole and is often prescribed as a preventive drug for kids with recurring infections, and only taken once a day. It is approved to treat acute otitis media (middle ear infection), which is said to be the most frequent reason for prescribing antibiotics for children. The drug is used in combination with penicillin or erythromycin.

Cephalosporin

• Like the above-mentioned drugs, there are other drugs within the Cephalosporin class of antibiotics that can successfully treat ear infections. One of these is Ceclor. Ceclor is a label of Cephalosporin that is known to be inexpensive but effective. Its side effects include diarrhea, rashes or allergic reactions. Those who are allergic to penicillin are most likely to be allergic to Cephalosporin as well. Newer forms of cephalosporins include Ceftin, Vantin, Cefzil, Lorabid and Suprax.

Combinations

• A combination of antibiotics can also be used to medicate ear infections. One example is Pediazole. It is a brand of the drug that combines sulfisoxazole and erythromycin. It can be prescribed if the patient is allergic to penicillin. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, vomiting. Children are advised to discontinue the use of the antibiotic when rash develops.

Effectiveness of Antibiotics

• Although there are several antibiotics in the market, the FDA and health specialists, are expressing concern about the increasing number of bacteria that have become resistant to the drugs. Parents are advised to remain vigilant and make sure that each dose is given on time. Missing doses can promote the growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Religiously taking of the drug and strict implementation of the doctors' orders are a must. The prescription is usually a 10-day course, especially for kids below 6 years of age.