Drugs Used in Treatment of Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders

Physicians who treat various disorders of the ear, nose, and throat usually prescribe or administer medications that aid in remedying the disorders. Some of the most common disorders and the medications used in combating them are described here.

Ear Disorders

• Infection of the outer ear canal, often called "swimmer's ear," is treated with acetaminophen (or, for adults, aspirin) and ear drops that contain antibacterial and steroid drugs such as cortisporin otic.

  Middle ear infection can cause an inflamed eardrum and must be treated promptly. Therapy includes antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin and clarithromycin. Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain as are pain-relieving eardrops.

  Vertigo and tinnitus are results of an inner ear disorder called Meniere's disease and have been successfully treated with the antibiotic gentamycin, which is applied directly into the middle ear space

Nasal Disorders

• Sinusitis is a widespread nasal disorder that is treated with antibiotics such as Amoxil, Bactrim or cephalosporin. Decongestants and, on occasion, phenylephrine can also be used.

  Allergies, which can trigger sinusitis, can be treated with antihistamines, decongestants, immunotherapy and inhaled corticosteroids.

  Nasal polyps are a cause of chronic allergies, sinusitis and nasal infections. These are treated with inhaled corticosteroids, antihistamines and decongestants, and antibiotics for infection.

Throat Disorders

• Strep throat affects one in ten Americans every year. Caused by the streptococcus bacteria, it requires penicillin or a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

  Acute tonsillitis, a recurring infection in the tonsils, is normally treated with aspirin (for adults) or acetaminophen, rest, and adequate fluid intake. However, if the infection is bacterially based, antibiotics such as erythromycin or penicillin are administered.

  A more serious bacterial infection, epiglottitis, requires immediate treatment that can include intravenous antibiotic therapy and steroid medication to reduce airway swelling.