How Do Otic Anti-Infectives Work?

Otic anti-infectives are medications that are used to treat bacterial and fungal infections in the external ear. Otic anti-infective medications are weak acidic solutions that kill microorganisms by chemically altering their proteins and fats. Treating ear infections with anti-infectives helps reduce ear pain and swelling caused by the infection.

Otic anti-infectives are solutions that are topically administered in the ear to treat external ear infection (otitis externa). A piece of cotton is soaked in the medication and inserted into the ear canal and left in place for 24 hours. Drops of medication are added to the cotton every five or six hours according to the prescription.

Otic anti-infectives must not be used if the eardrum is perforated.

Side effects of otic anti-infectives may include:

• Temporary stinging or burning in the ear
• Local irritation (rare)

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand name of an otic anti-infective drug commonly prescribed is:

• Acetic acid, glacial (Vosol)