View source for Ear drop

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'''Ear drops''' are a form of medicine used to treat or prevent [[ear infection]]s, especially infections of the [[outer ear]] and [[ear canal]] ([[Otitis externa]]). 

Bacterial infections are sometimes treated with antibiotics. Examples are:-
* Gentisone HC ear drops (containing [[Gentamicin]] and [[hydrocortisone]]).
* Ciproxin HC ear drops (containing [[ciprofloxacin]] and [[hydrocortisone]]). 
* Sofradex ear drops (containing Framycetin Sulphate, [[Gramicidin]], Dexamethasone]]/[[sodium metasulphobenzoate, [[Phenylethanol]].<ref>[http://www.ent.com.au/Otitis%20externa.htm]</ref>
* Kenacomb ear drops, containing [[triamcinolone acetonide]], [[neomycin]] and [[gramicidin]] ([[antibiotic]]s) and [[nystatin]] ([[antifungal]]).

[[over-the-counter substance|Over the counter]] ear drops are also available, including spirit drops (alcohol solution), which dries out the ear, and drops such as [[Aqua Ear]] (used for [[swimmer's ear]]) containing a mixture of substances such as alcohol and acetic acid, to dry the ear and make it difficult for [[microbes]] to grow.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} 

==Cautions==
If there is a possibility that you already have an ear infection, or your [[ear drum]] has ever been perforated, or otherwise injured, or if you have ever had ear surgery, it is important to consult an [[Otolaryngology|ear doctor]] (ENT, or ear, nose and throat specialist) before you use any type of ear drops (or before swimming).[http://www.entassociates.com/swimmers_ear.htm]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcmed.nsf/pages/bqckenao/$File/bqckenao.pdf Kenacomb Consumer Product Information]
*[http://www.entassociates.com/swimmers_ear.htm What is "Swimmer’s Ear"?]
*[http://www.ent.com.au/Otitis%20externa.htm SWIMMER'S EAR (Medical name: OTITIS EXTERNA)] - mentions various drops



[[Category:Drugs]]



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