Do you require antibiotics for ear infection? For mild bacterial infections, usually, the only antibiotics they need are the antifungal antibiotics (ofloxacin and generic fluconazole) or the more potent combination drugs ciprofloxacin (Ciprodex) or fluconazole (Diflucan). For more severe infections, antibiotics for ear infection, broad-spectrum (or antimicrobial) antibiotics such as tetracycline or vancomycin, and sometimes steroids such as prednisone are needed. If the infection is very severe, your doctor will probably prescribe a stronger antibiotic.
Antibiotics are useful for bacterial infections of the ears to stop the bacterial infection and reduce the swelling and pain behind the eardrum. This is called antifungal therapy and can be administered in many ways. The standard method is to go into the ear with a syringe full of the drug and put it into the ear. It is then necessary to drain the fluid behind the eardrum and flush out the inside of the ear with water. However, the standard procedure may not be as effective as it used to be due to the new antibiotics available nowadays.
If you do get an ear infection, it is important to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. There are many causes of ear infections; most can be easily cured if the infection is diagnosed early and treatment is administered promptly. The first thing your doctor will probably want to do is take a swab of fluid behind the eardrum to check for bacteria or fungal growth. If bacteria is found, antibiotics may be prescribed. However, if the fluid behind the eardrum is clear and there is no bacterial or fungal growth, no antibiotics will be necessary.
If you get better after a couple of days, your doctor will probably prescribe you an oral antibiotic. These medicines help to reduce inflammation and usually ease the pain, although you should always get medicine directed by your doctor. These medicines often come in either a pill or an injection form, and you will need to get medication as directed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, you will need to go back and get the correct dosage.
In more severe cases of ear infections, doctors may prescribe a course of cephalosporins or doxycycline. These antibiotics will help relieve your pain immediately. They are also effective against other bacterial infections. It is important to remember that these medicines take time to work. Do not expect to feel your infection disappear overnight.