Over-the-Counter Ear Infection Medicine
Ear infections are not just common childhood afflictions, they can happen at any age. Estimates suggest that by age 7, 80% of children have had at least one middle ear infection (otitis media). Some ear infections are self-limiting but others can become complicated. These often require intervention to avoid complications.
It’s common for parents to question whether ear infections can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This can be answered by the age of the person and the type of infection. Over-the-Counter medications can help manage pain and discomfort but will not eliminate ear infections.
This article can assist you in determining the best Over-the-Counter medication for ear infections, natural remedies, and the need for prescriptions.
Key Takeaways
- For children over 2 years old, mild and early symptoms of ear infections can sometimes be treated with Over-the-Counter medications.
- Over-the-Counter medications can help with pain and inflammation but do not treat ear infections of viral or bacterial nature.
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and ear drops, as well as earwax removal products are some common OTC medications.
- For babies less than 6 months of age, and children who present with severe symptoms of an ear infection, a healthcare provider must be consulted.
- Bacterial ear infections are the only type of ear infection that can be treated with prescribed antibiotics.
Can Over-the-Counter Medicines Treat Ear Infections?
Over-the-Counter medications can help treat some ear infection symptoms while self-limiting the infection; however, pain management, ear drops, and supportive care will only help improve comfort while the infection resolves or while waiting for further medical care.
Most health care providers recommend not treating ear infections at home without a professional assessment for infants, individuals with severe symptoms, or frequent repeat infections.
Types of Ear Infections
Differentiating which ear infection type helps in deciding which ear infection treatment is appropriate.
Viral Ear Infection
The middle ear can also be infected by the viruses which cause the common cold. In the majority of cases, these ear infections resolve without the use of any treatment. As antibiotics work on bacterial infections and not viral infections, they are not indicated.
Bacterial Ear Infection
Bacterial infections of the middle ear can be caused by bacteria which ascend the Eustachian tube or from nearby infections, for example, strep throat. These infections are often treated with antibiotics.
Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
Swimmer’s ear is the infection of the outer ear canal and not the middle ear. This type of ear infection is often seen when water remains trapped in the outer ear canal causing bacterial proliferation. In mild cases, the infection can resolve with the use of medicated ear drops. In more severe cases, an antibiotic may be required.
Best Over-the-Counter Ear Infection Medicines
There are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products that treat the symptoms of an ear infection.
Pain Relief Medicines
Pain and fever are common symptoms of ear infections. Pain and fever can be treated with Over-the-Counter pain relief products.
Purpose
| Tylenol | Acetaminophen | Helps relieve ear pain and reduce fever. |
| Advil | Ibuprofen | Reduces ear pain, fever, and inflammation. |
| Motrin | Ibuprofen | Provides relief from ear pain and fever. |
| Generic Acetaminophen | Acetaminophen | Used to manage mild to moderate ear pain and fever. |
| Generic Ibuprofen | Ibuprofen | Helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with ear infections. |
It is important to follow the package and prescribing information.
Over-the-Counter Ear Drops
Ear drops provide relief for swimmer’s ear and soothe symptoms.
| Product | Primary Use | Important Notes |
| Swim-Ear | Helps dry the ear canal to prevent swimmer’s ear. | Best used as a preventive product, not for treating an active infection. |
| Debrox Ear Drops | Softens earwax and helps create a healthier ear canal environment. | Mainly intended for earwax removal rather than treating bacterial infections. |
| Antipyrine/Benzocaine Ear Drops (A/B Otic, Auralgan, Aurodex) | Temporary relief of ear pain and swelling. | Not FDA-approved and should only be used under medical supervision, especially if a perforated eardrum is possible. |
Do not use ear drops with a suspected ruptured eardrum unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Earwax Removal Products
Ear pain may be caused by impacted ear wax and not an ear infection.
Over-the-Counter products include:
- Debrox Earwax Removal Kit
- Murine Earwax Removal System
Do not try to remove ear wax with:
- Cotton swabs
- Ear candles
- Hairpins or paper clips
- Ear vacuum devices
These methods may damage the ear canal or worsen blockage.
Natural Remedies for Ear Infection Symptoms
Natural remedies may ease symptoms of ear infections, but they don’t treat the infection.
Warm Compress
A warm washcloth on the ear may help decrease pain and promote drainage.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking warm fluids may help ease upper respiratory infections and promote recovery by thin mucus.
Cool Mist Humidifier
A humidifier helps ease nasal congestion and breath better during cold and ear infections.
Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide
A diluted Hydrogen Peroxide may help soften ear wax. Do not use to treat an ear infection or if a eardrum is damaged.
Prescription Treatment for Ear Infections
Healthcare providers may prescribed antibiotics after confirming a case of bacterial infection.
Common prescription medications and uses include:
| Medication | Drug Class | Common Use |
| Amoxicillin | Penicillin Antibiotic | First-line treatment for many bacterial ear infections. |
| Augmentin | Penicillin Antibiotic | Used when infections are more severe or resistant. |
| Cefdinir | Cephalosporin Antibiotic | Alternative for patients who cannot take penicillin. |
| Cefuroxime | Cephalosporin Antibiotic | Treats bacterial middle ear infections. |
| Doxycycline | Tetracycline Antibiotic | May be prescribed in selected adult cases when appropriate. |
It is important to finish the prescribed antibiotics even if the symptoms have improved.
When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?
You should seek medical care when:
- Infants younger than 6 months show symptoms of an ear infection
- Pain from an ear infection is accompanied by a fever
- Infected ears drain pus
- Pain from infected ears increases and/or becomes unbearable
- Symptoms persist for more than 48 to 72 hours
- Infected ear symptoms worsen after treatment with OTC medication
- In children younger than 2 years, both ears become infected
- Hearing loss is experienced
The sooner treatment is received, the greater the opportunity to reduce complications and expedite recovery.
Treatment Tips for Recovery
After having an ear infection, patients should:
- Get enough sleep
- Stay hydrated
- Use pain relieving medications when needed
- Keep the ear dry and free of obstruction
- Finish antibiotics as prescribed
Conclusion
Over-the-Counter medications for ear infections can relieve pain and fever for older children and adults. They do not treat the infection. Bacterial ear infections need antibiotics. Viral infections of the ear typically resolve faster with other supportive measures.
Seek medical evaluation for severe symptoms, for young children, or symptoms persisting beyond a couple of days. Timely assessment reduces complications and provides a faster recovery.