Ear drop

Ear drops are a form of medicine used to treat or prevent ear infections, 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.
 * Kenacomb ear drops, containing triamcinolone acetonide, neomycin and gramicidin (antibiotics) and nystatin (antifungal).

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.

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 ear doctor (ENT, or ear, nose and throat specialist) before you use any type of ear drops (or before swimming).