What Antibiotics Are Used for Ear Infections?
-
Ear Anatomy
-
The eardrum blocks the middle and inner ear from the outer ear with the eustachian tubes connecting to the throat, representing a perfect pathway for bacteria to enter the ear. If the tubes are blocked during an infection, fluid builds up, causing the symptoms of pressure and pain.
Causes
-
Ear infections in children are many times caused by Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria. Though some strains of the bacteria exhibit penicillin resistance, penicillin-derived antibiotics are still the first line of treatment.
Treatment
-
While most ear infections clear up on their own, a five-day course of amoxicillin, a form of penicillin, is the recommended antibiotic treatment for ear infections in children. Some people are allergic to penicillin, so other antibiotics may be used.
Other Antibiotics
-
Those who are allergic to penicillin may be treated with azithromycin or cephalosporins. The length of treatment depends on the size of the person, with larger, older people requiring a bigger dose for longer days.
Other Treatments
-
Some children seem to be predisposed for multiple ear infections. These children may benefit greatly from an insertion of a tube through the eardrum to help take over the functions of the eustachian tubes, and allow bacteria and secretions to be drained.
-