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Otitis Media

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, the space just behind the eardrum.

Omnicef

Cefdinir

300mg

Cefdinir 300mg tablets, used for community-acquired pneumonia, acute otitis media, pharyngitis and exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. A cephalosporin.

From$3.35/ tabletView

Suprax

Cefixime

100 · 200mg

Cefixime 100mg and 200mg tablets, used for otitis media, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and bronchitis. A third-generation cephalosporin.

From$2.18/ tabletView

Ceftin

Cefuroxime

250 · 500mg

Cefuroxime 250mg and 500mg film-coated tablets, used for pharyngitis, otitis media, urinary tract infection and pneumonia. A second-generation cephalosporin.

From$3.49/ tabletView

Ciprodex

Ciprofloxacin, Dexamethasone

0.3/0.1%

Ciprofloxacin with dexamethasone as 0.3/0.1% ear drops, used for acute otitis externa and otitis media with tympanostomy tubes. Antibiotic plus steroid.

From$15.30/ bottleView

Key points

  • The typical picture includes ear pain, a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing, and sometimes fever.
  • Ear examination is needed to distinguish acute infection from trapped middle-ear fluid, outer-ear disease and referred pain.
  • Many mild episodes improve without antibiotics; age, severity, examination findings and reliable follow-up affect whether an antibiotic is advised.

The listings below do not confirm middle-ear infection; age, eardrum findings, severity and follow-up determine whether an antibiotic is appropriate.

Recognising the infection

Young children who cannot describe ear pain may tug at the ear, become unusually irritable, or sleep poorly. In some cases the eardrum perforates and releases fluid, which can bring sudden relief of pain but needs proper follow-up.

Antibiotic treatment

Many mild episodes improve with pain relief and observation. Antibiotics may be advised for some children, severe illness, persistent symptoms or particular examination findings; the choice follows clinical guidance, allergy history and recent antibiotic use. Cefuroxime and cefixime are antibiotics, but a catalogue match does not mean either is preferred for an individual ear infection.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent care for swelling or redness behind the ear, the ear being pushed outward, severe headache, neck stiffness, unusual drowsiness, facial weakness, or a very unwell child. New ear discharge, persistent fever or worsening pain needs prompt assessment.

Further reading