Which antibiotics are typically used to treat an ear infection, such as "swimmer's ear" ? Is erythromycin ever used in this manner?
Reply -----------------------------
"Swimmer's ear" or acute external otitis is an inflammation and infection of the outer ear and ear canal. In the majority of cases, this type of ear infection is treated with topical antibiotic ear drops such as cortisporin otic drops. Occasionally, in very severe cases of acute external otitis, systemic antibiotics are used. A type of bacteria known as Pseudomonas is one of the most common organisms associated with outer ear infections, and there is currently only one oral form of antibiotic that has significant activity against Pseudomonas, and this antibiotic is known as Ciprofloxacin (Cipro). Cipro is not used in children below 14 or so because of risks of injuring growth centers in their developing joint cartilages. Erythromycin and other common broad spectrum antibiotics such as penicillin are generally not highly efficacious for acute external otitis. Cipro has largely replaced their use in this condition, however culture of susceptible organisms may warrant their use is certain instances.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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