But not all of them are suitable for treating an ear infection. OTC products are available to treat various ear problems. What OTC products are not recommended for ear infection? They also haven’t been widely studied in clinical trials. However, ear drying drops may only slow the growth of bacteria. These ear drops are only appropriate if water is clogged in the ear canal. But, an ear drying drop containing isopropyl alcohol may be beneficial for swimmer’s ear. The FDA hasn’t recommended any OTC ear drops to treat ear infections. Acetaminophen is the main pain relief option for young kids. Children younger than 6 months should also avoid ibuprofen. This is because it can cause a dangerous illness called Reye’s syndrome. Anyone younger than 19 years old shouldn’t take aspirin. Keep in mind: Not all OTC pain relievers are appropriate for children. They can also advise you on if these medications are safe for you to take. These medications are generally safe to take, but make sure to ask a healthcare provider or pharmacist about the dosing of these medications before giving them a try. For moderate pain, your healthcare provider may recommend that you alternate between acetaminophen and ibuprofen throughout the day. The CDC recommends OTC pain relievers - such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) - to control pain and inflammation caused by ear infections. So, is there a go-to OTC medication for ear infection relief? Pain relievers For this reason, the first-choice treatment of many mild ear infections is focused on symptom management. Luckily, many ear infections clear up on their own. What are the best OTC medicines for an ear infection? Keep in mind that more serious symptoms can also develop that require prompt medical attention. They can also check to see if a bacteria, virus, or something else is causing your infection. To confirm an ear infection, a healthcare provider typically needs to look inside your ear using a medical device called an otoscope. If you or your child have symptoms like these, an ear infection could be a possibility. And they can vary depending on the area of the ear that’s infected.Ĭommon symptoms of an ear infection can include: But because you can’t see inside your ear with the naked eye, your symptoms may be the only way to suspect if you have one. How do I know if I have an ear infection?īacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause ear infections. Read along as we discuss if you can treat an ear infection at home, your options for OTC ear infection relief, and when to see a healthcare provider. If you think you have an ear infection, you may have questions about over-the-counter (OTC) ear infection medicines. But outer ear infections, known as swimmer’s ear, are also common. Most people think of a middle ear infection (otitis media) when they refer to an ear infection. Each type corresponds to one of the three areas of the ear - the inner ear, middle ear, or outer ear. Regardless of age, there are three types of ear infections. In fact, it’s estimated that half of all kids will have at least one ear infection before they turn 2 years old. And although they can happen at any age, they’re most common in kids ages 2 and younger. They can disrupt your routine by causing pain and other annoying symptoms. Ear infections can be frustrating, especially if you get them often.

Over the counter antibiotics