14 best ear drops
In modern clinical practice, there are a large number of different tools used in drops for local use, which are used in the treatment of ear diseases. There are natural anatomical prerequisites leading to low protection of the outer and middle ear: the external auditory canal going to the eardrum and to the middle ear is quite vulnerable.
We can recall that the surface of the eye is moistened with a sterile tear, and with the help of frequent blinks the cornea is constantly cleaned. The nasal cavity is very well supplied with blood, and rhinorrhea is a protective mechanism. Excessive nasal discharge leads to increased secretion of immunoglobulins in mucus, and this allows in most cases to cope with viral and bacterial rhinitis.
The external auditory meatus has cartilaginous and bony parts, physiological curves, and not such a good blood supply. It regularly accumulates earwax, which, although it protects the inner surface of the ear, has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, but it also often accumulates in large quantities, which leads to hearing loss and the formation of secondary inflammation.
Therefore, ear drops are used quite often, and this rating includes the most popular and sought-after drugs. These are drops with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, containing corticosteroid hormones, antibiotics, antiseptics. Separately allocated funds for the elimination and prevention of sulfur plugs.
Most of these drops are prescribed by an ENT doctor, so only antiseptics and preparations in liquid form can be used on their own to prevent the formation and dissolution of traffic jams. It must be remembered that self-medication, even with topical preparations, is dangerous and can lead to the chronicity of the infection and its transformation into a sluggish form. Therefore, all information is intended solely for informational purposes.
Top ear tips
Nomination | a place | Name of product | price |
The best anti-inflammatory and painkiller ear drops | 1 | Polydex | 224 ₽ |
2 | Sofradex | 360 ₽ | |
3 | Anauran | 286 ₽ | |
4 | Otipaks (lidocaine and phenazone) | 274 ₽ | |
5 | Otinum (choline salicylate) | 160 ₽ | |
The best means for removing and preventing the appearance of sulfur plugs | 1 | A-cerumen | 367 ₽ |
2 | Remo Wax | 430 ₽ | |
3 | Aqua-Maris Oto | 403 ₽ | |
The best drops for the treatment of microbial infections | 1 | Otofa (rifamycin) | 186 ₽ |
2 | Normaks (norfloxacin) | 158 ₽ | |
3 | Dancil (ofloxacin) | 125 ₽ | |
Top drops with antifungal effect and antiseptics | 1 | Candiotics | 263 ₽ |
2 | Sanguirythrine | 127 ₽ | |
3 | Miramistin | 366 ₽ |
The best anti-inflammatory and painkiller ear drops
These ear drops are most often used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. These include external and middle otitis media, inflammation of the auditory, or Eustachian tubes. They are prescribed by a doctor to treat various diseases of the upper respiratory tract, including those with infected eczema of the external auditory canal, with catarrhal otitis, complicated by secondary bacterial infection.
Polydex
Rating: 4.9
Open the rating Polydex ear drops.It is a complex drug containing a strong anti-inflammatory component, Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid hormone, and two antibiotics: neomycin and polymyxin B. These are light yellow ear drops, which tend to foam slightly. The range of application of these drops is quite wide. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, as well as inhibit the reproduction of various pathogenic microorganisms, both gram-positive and negative. Antibiotics inhibit reproduction of Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, and many other microbes.
They can be prescribed for many otitis media, except streptococcal ones, since streptococci are resistant to these antibiotics. Therefore, ideally, Polidex should be administered after the results of bacteriological seeding of the discharge from the external auditory canal. But Polydex eardrops can be prescribed at the initial stage of treatment of various external otitis, eczema of the external ear if there is no damage to the eardrum.
It is necessary to apply Polidex eardrops by instillation from 1 to 5 drops into the ear canal in the morning and evening; the average course of treatment is one week, but not more than 10 days. This drug is produced by the French company Farmaster, and the average cost of one 10.5 ml bottle in the prices of the end of 2024 is 245 rubles per pack.
Advantages and disadvantages
A great advantage of these ear drops is a good analgesic effect and inhibition of microbial inflammation. Already on the first day of the appointment of the drug, the patient is experiencing significant relief. It is very important to pre-warm the bottle under a stream of warm water, or with the help of hands, because if cold liquid gets into your ear, you may experience unpleasant symptoms. In rare cases, a local allergic reaction occurs, in the form of a slight burning sensation in the external auditory canal. The drug can not be used for pregnant and lactating mothers, and a very important condition for the appointment is the integrity of the eardrum. If a patient has a perforation due to chronic otitis media, then this tool cannot be used, since it can have a toxic effect on the structures of the middle ear and the vestibular apparatus. But if Polidex's ear drops are prescribed according to indications, then they will be an excellent means to alleviate the patient's condition.
Sofradex
Rating: 4.8
The second representative of similar ear drops containing anti-inflammatory corticosteroid hormone and antibiotic is Sofradex. Highly active dexamethasone is used as an anti-inflammatory component, but antibiotics in these ear drops are different. These are gramicidin and framycetin.
This drug has not only an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, but can be used for allergic lesions of the ear, as it relieves itching and weeping. At the same time, antibiotics act on many pathogenic bacteria, E. coli and staphylococcus. Gramicidin and framycetin act as synergists, and enhance the anti-staphylococcal effect of each other.
Sofradex is used not only in otitis externa, but also in ophthalmology, and this will be a big plus: these are not only ear but also eye drops. In diseases of the ear, the dosage is usually 3 drops 3 to 4 times a day. It is possible to drip not only drops, but also to put a turunda dipped in the ear of Sofradex in the ear. Usually the duration of treatment is 7 days. Sofradex is produced by the well-known pharmaceutical company Sanofi, and one 5 ml bottle has an average retail price of 380 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
As already mentioned, a great advantage of these ear drops is the ability to use them in the treatment of eye diseases such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, iridocyclitis, or in case of eczema of the eyelids.However, before his appointment is necessary to consult a specialist, since there are certain contraindications. These are perforation of the eardrum, fungal infection, herpetic lesion of the ear canal. Do not use Sofradex in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in infants.
In some cases, especially with prolonged and unreasonable use of self-treatment, dexamethasone contributes to the inhibition of local immunity, and the addition of a fungal infection is possible. But, as practice shows, the short course of prescribing Sofradex for 5 days reduces the period of temporary disability associated with acute otitis or exacerbation of its chronic form.
Anauran
Rating: 4.7
Anauran - quite famous ear drops, which are produced by the Italian pharmaceutical company Zambon. They also contain a complex of antibiotics - neomycin and polymyxin B, just like Polydex. But at the same time, the third component is not a strong glucocorticosteroid hormone, which fights inflammation, but a local anesthetic, or Lidocaine. The presence of lidocaine allows you to quickly relieve pain, and the reduction of pain occurs immediately after instillation.
These ear drops are shown for various external otitis media, for inflammation of the middle ear, for postoperative conditions and the presence of purulent complications in otolaryngology, as well as for acute inflammation of the middle ear, and again before the appearance of perforation.
Anauran prescribing is necessary, on average, 4 drops three times a day. As in previous cases, a short course is required, which should not exceed 1 week. The average cost of one bottle of Anauran with a volume of 25 ml is 290 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The great advantage of Anauran is the absence of strong hormones in the prescription. This allows you to avoid the occurrence of fungal infections of the external auditory canal, but at the same time Anauran is not used to treat itching and allergic soak. Its role is much more important in the treatment of otitis, which is accompanied by severe pain. In this case, the tool is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, children up to one year, with individual hypersensitivity to antibiotics or lidocaine.
Otipaks (lidocaine and phenazone)
Rating: 4.7
Otipaks is the next representative of combined ear drops, which contains local anesthetic lidocaine and phenazone, which has analgesic properties. Its action is based on blocking cyclooxygenase and suppressing inflammation, and this component is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Otipaks is indicated for use in various otitis media, in case of acoustic trauma and barotrauma, and in otitis media, as a complication of influenza infection. Otipax is prescribed by the usual instillation of warm drops into the ear canal three times a day, 4 drops each. The course of treatment should not exceed 10 days. This tool is prescribed for both adults and children, and it is produced by the pharmaceutical company Biocodex from France. There is a bottle in 15 ml about 280 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
A big plus of Otipaks is its focus on pain relief and reduction of edema and inflammation, and these ear drops do not contain corticosteroid hormones. Of the side effects, there is a slight and transient allergic reaction in the form of itching; if you do, you should consult with your doctor, because it is not always necessary to cancel the remedy, in some cases this side effect disappears by itself.
Otipaks is used, including, pregnant and nursing mothers, but only if they do not have perforated eardrum. If there is a perforation, it is better not to prescribe this tool.Therefore, it is best to independently acquire these ear drops, only being absolutely sure that the eardrum is intact and intact.
Otinum (choline salicylate)
Rating: 4.7
Ear drops Otinum stand somewhat apart, as it does not contain hormones and anesthetics. They contain only choline salicylate, which is derived from salicylic acid. Therefore, these ear drops have an exceptionally mild anti-inflammatory effect, and some analgesic effect associated with the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the inflammatory focus.
Ear drops otinum are shown in acute catarrhal otitis, as a means for prophylaxis after operations. They are buried in 3 or 4 drops in the affected ear from 3 to 4 times a day. After instillation, it is necessary to wait, lying on its side, for several minutes to achieve the best effect. This product is produced by the Polish pharmaceutical company Polfa, and a dropper bottle with a volume of 10 ml costs, on average, 215 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantage of these ear drops is considered to be well tolerated, it is always better with monocomponent preparations. But it must be remembered that the use of this tool for perforation of the eardrum can cause a significant disruption of the structure of the inner ear, hearing loss or even temporary deafness. That is why an ENT examination should be mandatory before the appointment of this tool. Local allergic reactions may also occur, these drops are not recommended in case of intolerance to salicylates and aspirin, in case of polyposis of the nasal cavity, in case of aspirin asthma and in other similar diagnoses of aspirin allergy. But if the patient has a mild catarrhal inflammation of the outer ear, then this drug can reduce the inflammation and the associated unpleasant symptoms, such as pain and a feeling of heaviness in the ear.
The best means for removing and preventing the appearance of sulfur plugs
These drugs dissolve sulfur, and allow you to remove it from the external auditory canal. These ear drops, perhaps, are the safest, because they do not contain potent antibiotics and anti-inflammatory hormones. Consider the most commonly used ear drops for dissolving sulfur plugs, and for ear care as hygienic products.
A-cerumen
Rating: 4.9
A-cerumen ear drops are sold in two different versions: as separate plastic droppers with a volume of 2 ml, in one package 5 such bottles. The second form of release is a spray, 40 ml in a bottle, and such packaging, according to doctors and patients, will be the most convenient. A-cerumen contains special surfactants that improve the solubility of sulfur and contribute to its removal.
These ear drops are used to dissolve ripe plugs, to prevent their formation, as well as for the purpose of hygiene, that is, they can also be used in healthy people. A-cerumen in disposable droppers is prescribed by instillation in half of the disposable dropper bottle in each ear, that is, for one hygienic medical procedure, you will need one bottle-dropper. To eliminate traffic jams, it is necessary to do this twice a day for 4 days, and for prophylaxis it is enough to apply the agent twice a week. This drug is produced by the French company Gilbert Laboratory, and a package of 5 disposable droppers costs 400 rubles, and a spray package will cost 200 rubles more.
Advantages and disadvantages
The great advantage of the A-cerumen is the absence of contraindications, except perforation of the eardrum and hypersensitivity to the drug. It is very convenient that this tool can be used in very young children, including the first day of life.The only drawback is the condition of mandatory use of an open dropper during the day, therefore, naturally, the spray will be more convenient for use. As proved by numerous studies, the regular use of these ear drops for cleaning helps to reduce the risk of acute and chronic otitis.
Remo Wax
Rating: 4.8
The second popular and popular drug in the form of ear drops for regular hygiene and dissolving sulfur plugs will be Remo-Vaks, which is positioned by the manufacturer as a hygienic product for the care of the ears and skin of the auricle. Unlike the A-cerumen, the composition of these drops is known. These are allantoin, sorbic acid, liquid lanolin and mink oil, phenylethanol and other ingredients.
The tool actively dissolves earwax, which most often accumulates and condenses in the warm and dusty season, with frequent use of earplugs or headphones, or with an incorrect attempt to remove sulfur plugs with cotton buds.
Apply the drug is necessary, preheating the bottle. Then you need to lie on its side, pull the ear down, and carefully drop 20 drops, trying to make it flow down the back wall of the ear canal. This requires a certain skill, and packaging in the form of a spray would be more appropriate. In this case, the manufacturer advises not to drip into the center of the external auditory canal, in order to avoid the appearance of an airlock. After application of the product, after 10 minutes, it is necessary to change the position, let the solution pour out of the ear, and repeat the procedure with the other ear. For treatment, it is necessary to increase the exposure time to half an hour, and in some cases this can be done 5 times in a row. In order to prevent the need to apply Remo-Vaks 2 times a month. This tool is produced by the Finnish company Orion, and the average cost per bottle of 10 ml is 448 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
Perhaps the most serious disadvantage of these ear drops is the necessary skill for instillation. But the opened bottle does not require any limitation on the term, the shelf life remains the same. This tool is deservedly considered hypoallergenic, and can be used in both adults and children from birth. The only contraindication is again perforation of the eardrum, severe pain in the ears, outflow of any secret or discharge from the external auditory canal. In these cases, urgent consultation of the ENT doctor is necessary.
Aqua-Maris Oto
Rating: 4.8
Please, Aqua-Maris Oto will be the simplest preparation of all ear drops. As the name suggests, this is ordinary natural sea water, which also cleans the external auditory canal well. This tool facilitates the removal of sulfur plugs, and is indicated for use in adults and in children over 4 years old, but it is better to use it for prevention, and especially to those who often use hearing aids, in-ear headphones. Shown Aqua-Maris Oto and those who live in dusty areas. Aqua-Maris Oto is buried with a special tip, by pressing on the nozzle. This allows the medium to be injected under a slight pressure, and to avoid prolonged instillation, since one press is enough.
For hygienic purposes, a single application is enough 2 times a week, but with the accumulation of earwax and the formation of traffic jams, it is better to use the preparation Remoxax or A-cerumen, which specifically dissolve the traffic jams. Produces Aqua-Maris Oto Croatian company Jadran. The cost of it in a pharmacy is about 500 rubles, but still psychologically you don’t really want to pay that amount psychologically.
Advantages and disadvantages
The great advantage of this tool will be hypoallergenic, and safe use. However, this drug is good not only for dissolving traffic jams, especially in difficult and long-standing cases, but for prevention.Its price is quite high, given the composition, and it is in the same group for the price of highly efficient plug solvents. At the same time, despite all the safety of sea water, pronounced inflammation and perforation of the eardrum is a contraindication to the use.
The best drops for the treatment of microbial infections
In the group of ear drops, drugs that contain a complex of antibiotics have already been considered. In this group, such ear drops that do not contain anti-inflammatory or analgesic components will be considered, and all their action is reduced to a bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect on the pathogenic flora that causes acute otitis media or exacerbation of the chronic inflammatory process. There is a lot of these means, therefore we will consider only some, the most popular and effective.
Otofa (rifamycin)
Rating: 4.9
Otof ear drops with antibacterial action contain antibiotic rifamycin, and are used for purulent otitis media. This antibiotic does not allow microorganisms to multiply, and inhibits the synthesis of nucleic acids of bacterial cells. It is used for staphylococcal lesions, in the presence of hemolytic streptococcus, for pneumococcal otitis, and even for otitis of tuberculosis and meningococcal etiology. Also, these drops are appointed as prevention of infection after various operations on the middle ear. Otofa is buried in a heated form in the amount of 5 drops 3 times a day for adults, or 3 drops for children. The course of treatment should be very short, no more than 3 days. The French pharmaceutical company Bouchard Ricordati produces these ear drops, and the average cost of one bottle in 10 ml is 185 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of Otofa ear drops is its breadth of action, because rifamycin is destructive not only for banal streptococci and staphylococci, but also for gonococcal flora, and even for mycobacterium tuberculosis. But this tool needs to be applied only with very short courses, and it has one unpleasant feature: it paints any surface very strongly, so you must be careful to avoid clothing damage. But on the other hand, this remedy is very well tolerated, of which only hypersensitivity is noted. This means that Otofu can be used as prescribed by a doctor, even for pregnant women, which is not as common even among local means produced in drops.
Normaks (norfloxacin)
Rating: 4.8
Normaks antimicrobial ear drops contain a representative of fluoroquinolones norfloxacin as the active substance. These drops are used not only to treat diseases of the ear, but also buried in the eyes. The highest activity of this agent is in the presence of gram-negative flora, and the gram-positive microorganisms do not affect the droplets as well, but they are well indicated in otitis caused by staphylococcal and streptococcal flora. Normaks is used for various forms of external and internal otitis, for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of the auditory or Eustachian tube. The Normaks ear drops are instilled 4 times a day, at a dosage of 1 to 2 drops. On the first day for acute lesions, you can bury 2 drops every 2 hours. The pharmaceutical company Ipka (India) produces these ear drops, and one 5 ml dropper bottle can be purchased at a low price of 165 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantage of Normaks is a low and affordable price, but there is a significant limitation to its use. It should not be given to pregnant women, persons under the age of 18, and during breastfeeding. The drug for the best effect should be used in conjunction with tablet antimicrobial agents, or in conjunction with their injection forms (pricks).In some cases, allergic reactions, dizziness, or sleep disorder occur, so the drug, despite its effectiveness, must be used carefully, and only as prescribed by a doctor.
Dancil (ofloxacin)
Rating: 4.7
Danzil's ear drops are also represented by a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The active ingredient is known ofloxacin. It has long been produced in tablets called Zanotsin or Tarivid, but in local form it is produced by Sentiss Pharma pharmaceutical company from India. The remedy is shown for various forms of purulent and nonpurulent secondary and external otitis, and its great advantage is its ability to perforate the eardrum.
He is appointed to adults and children after 12 years. The average dosage is 10 drops in the affected ear from one to 2 times per day, for 2 weeks. Perhaps the appointment and children the age of one year, but only on prescription and under his supervision. The cost of one bottle of 5 ml with a special dropper is, on average, 153 rubles at retail.
Advantages and disadvantages
As mentioned above, the main advantage of these ear drops is the possibility of using the eardrum during perforating processes, but on the recommendation of a doctor. This drug is used for various infectious diseases in ophthalmology, such as blepharitis, keratoconjunctivitis and dacryocystitis, it is prescribed after surgical interventions as a means of preventing infection in ophthalmology. The drug is inexpensive and quite effective.
Top drops with antifungal effect and antiseptics
In conclusion, it is necessary to consider some representatives from the group of ear drops, which are indicated for the treatment of otitis with the addition of a fungal infection. Quite often, there are situations when there are signs of ringworm on the skin of the ear canal. This may be due to excessive enthusiasm for hormonal ointments. The most popular and affordable drugs are considered Candiotics and Sanguirythrin, which are often used in otorhinolaryngology. The well-known Miramistin can be considered a modern domestic drug of this kind.
Candiotics
Rating: 4.9
Candibiotics are ear drops, which are used in the form of “heavy artillery”, and only for the purpose of an ENT doctor. It includes not only the antifungal drug clotrimazole, but also an antibacterial agent, chloramphenicol, corticosteroid hormone beclomethasone with pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, and a local anesthetic lidocaine, which has a pronounced analgesic effect.
These ear drops are shown for various forms of external and moderate purulent otitis, as a means of support after ENT operations. These ear drops are applied by instillation of 5 drops in each ear canal from 3 to 4 times a day. The manufacturer warns that improvement occurs within 3-5 days, and the course of treatment should not be long, and its optimal duration is 8 days. The Glenmark Pharmaceuticals company produces Candibiotic, and the average cost of one 5-ml bottle is 300 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
A big plus of Candibiotics is widespread use, and the suppression of both bacterial and fungal infections, a pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic component. However, this tool is quite expensive, and is not shown in the perforation of the eardrum, and children under six years of age. In rare cases, it may cause itching and burning, as a side effect of allergy to the drug, and at the same time, Candibiotik should be canceled, or consult with your doctor. The tool is necessary, as in other cases, drip in a warm form.
Sanguirythrine
Rating: 4.8
This drug is produced in the form of an alcohol solution, and contains active ingredients with a hard-to-pronounce name — sanguinarine hydrosulfate and chelerythrine hydrosulfate.They are isolated from plant materials, and are considered natural alkaloids. These ear drops produce antifungal, bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect. Active ingredients affect not only pathogenic fungi and yeast, but also a variety of microorganisms, and some protozoa. Alcohol solution is used not only in adults but also in newborns. It is possible to apply Sanguiritrin by wetting the gauze turunda with an alcohol solution, and carefully placing it in the external auditory meatus for no longer than 15 minutes. This procedure is repeated every day from 2 to 3 times. It is therefore necessary to treat otitis media for two weeks, and if the otitis media is purulent and chronic, then adults need to bury this solution in the external auditory canal five drops from 3 to 4 times a day. Sanguirythrin is produced by the domestic company Farmvilar, and the cost of a 50 ml bottle is 198 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantage of this tool will be a natural source - vegetable raw materials with antibacterial and antifungal activity, no overdose, and from contraindications only hypersensitivity, and a pronounced fungal infection of the skin of the external ear canal with soak. Occasionally, when a turunda is placed in the external auditory canal, side effects such as a short-term burning sensation occur. In such cases, it is necessary to stop treatment and consult a specialist. The cost of this drug is low, and its value is in complex treatment, because in the form of monotherapy it is not able to cope with a pronounced fungal process.
Miramistin
Rating: 4.8
It is a highly effective, well-tolerated antiseptic that is produced by the domestic company Infomed. A solution with a concentration of 0.01% is used, and Miramistin has a pronounced antimicrobial effect, it is able to inhibit the growth and reproduction of hospital flora, affects pathogenic fungi, and also has antiviral activity, including herpes viruses and human immunodeficiency.
The tool is indicated for instillation into the external auditory canal, and for treatment with application in the form of turunda. It does not irritate and does not cause allergies, nor is it absorbed through the skin. In addition to ear diseases, Miramistin is used in adults and children for irrigation of the oral cavity, for introduction into the maxillary sinuses. It is used to treat acute pharyngitis and chronic tonsillitis. Miramistin should be moistened with a gauze turunda and injected into the external auditory canal from 2 to 3 times a day for two weeks. You can buy one 50 ml bottle at a price of 230 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantage of Miramistin is its extremely high activity, inexpensive price, excellent tolerability, and the ability to use it both for prophylaxis and in the complex therapy of various inflammatory and infectious-allergic lesions of the outer and inner ear. At the same time, Miramistin does not have an ototoxic effect, and therefore it can be prescribed after examining an ENT doctor, even when the eardrum is perforated.
In conclusion, the review of popular ear drops, it is necessary to emphasize that the vast majority of drugs are strictly contraindicated in violation of the integrity of the eardrum. Many drugs cause ototoxic effects, disruption of the vestibular analyzer and can even lead to deafness. Therefore, all ear drops, with the exception of drops for dissolving and preventing the formation of sulfur caps, should be administered under the supervision of a otolaryngologist.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.