Products
In many countries, only a few ear drops are currently on the market. They are also produced in pharmacies themselves.
Structure and properties
Ear drops are solutions, emulsions, or suspensions containing one or more active ingredients in liquids suitable for use in the ear canal. These include, for example, water, glycols, glycerol, propylene glycol, or fatty oils. Ear drops can also be applied in the form of an impregnated tampon in the ear canal.
Effects
Ear drops have caring, moisturizing and, depending on the active ingredients used, for example, analgesic, analgesic, antiallergic, antipruritic, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and plug-dissolving properties.
Indications for use
Typical indications for the use of ear drops include:
- Earache (otalgia)
- Ear plug, which is an obstruction of the ear canal with earwax.
- Inflammation of the external auditory canal (otitis externa).
- Itching
- Skin diseases, irritation and infection of the ear canal.
- Prevention of infections during diving (diving drops).
Dosage
According to the professional information. Before use, if there are risk factors, the integrity of the tympanic membrane should be checked with an otoscope.
- Warm the ear drops to body temperature before instilling, e.g., by holding in the hand or carrying the vial in the pocket. However, never expose the vial to a direct heat source!
- Some ear drops are present as a suspension and must be shaken directly before use.
- Tilt head to the side or lie down with the ear up.
- Instill the prescribed number of drops. Do not touch the ear with the tip or pipette for hygienic reasons.
- Remain in this position for a few minutes so that the liquid does not leak.
- Ear canal possibly close with absorbent cotton.
A few drops can also be placed on a absorbent cotton or gauze strip and left in the ear for 24 hours. Cerumenolytics are left to act for 20 to 30 minutes maximum and then rinsed. Some ear drops have a limited shelf life after opening.
Active ingredients
The following list shows a selection of active ingredients that may be contained in ear drops: Antibiotics:
- Ciprofloxacin
- Neomycin
- Ofloxacin
- Polymyxin B
- Rifamycin
- Tyrothricin
Antifungals cerumenolytics disinfectants:
- Acetic acid (diluted)
- Ethanol
- Isopropanol
- Dip drops
Glucocorticoids:
- Dexamethasone
- Fludrocortisone acetate
- Hydrocortisone
Local anesthetics:
- Lidocaine
- Procaine
Phytopharmaceuticals:
- St. John’s oil
Painkillers (pyrazolones):
- Phenazone
Contraindications
Contraindications include (selection):
- Hypersensitivity
- Perforated eardrum
- After operations of the auditory canal
- Viral infections, fungal infections (glucocorticoids).
- Otitis media (antibiotics)
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
Adverse effects depend on the drops used. Possible side effects include allergic reactions and local reactions in the ear canal such as itching, rash, irritation, and paresthesias. Systemic side effects cannot be excluded. They have been described, for example, with quinolones. Some agents, such as aminoglycosides like neomycin and gentamicin, have ototoxic properties and can cause hearing damage if the eardrum is traumatized. Otoscopy is required before initiating therapy.
