Can I use chloramphenicol in the ear according to the instructions? We will understand in this article.
Otitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the organs of hearing. This disease is very common and can appear as a complication of a cold. The disease is extremely unpleasant, accompanied by acute pain, inflammation, impaired sleep and appetite, especially in childhood.
Levomycetin alcohol in the ear is prescribed as an adjuvant in the treatment of otitis media in both adults and children. This solution does not have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, and its use should be coordinated with the attending physician, since the drug has several limitations and possible adverse reactions.
Is it possible to drip chloramphenicol in the ear, many are interested.
Description
Chloramphenicol is an antibacterial substance of synthetic origin with a wide spectrum of action, which has a pronounced antimicrobial effect. The component demonstrates efficacy against both gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms. The drug based on chloramphenicol actively affects microorganisms at various stages of division. At the same time, resistance to chloramphenicol in bacteria develops rather slowly.
The opinion of doctors
Otolaryngologists doubt the use of chloramphenicol alcohol in the ear, believing that the drug can adversely affect the quality of auditory perception and even cause hearing loss. Therefore, the drug was not widely used in ENT practice.
Nevertheless, we will consider how to use chloramphenicol alcohol according to the instructions in the ear of a child and an adult.
For the treatment of ears, it is an alcohol solution that has a powerful disinfecting effect. However, one should take into account the proximity of the location of the inner and middle ear to the brain and use the drug as carefully as possible to prevent dangerous complications.
The properties
Useful properties of chloramphenicol alcohol include the following:
- Analgesic effect.
- Removal of the inflammatory process.
- Destruction of harmful bacteria.
- Reconstruction of the ear canal.
- Warming action.
The described therapeutic properties of the solution cannot be taken as therapeutic for otitis media. There are cases when warming can make the patient worse and significantly aggravate his general condition. The advisability of prescribing the drug should be determined by a specialist based on the survey.
Appointment
Before prescribing chloramphenicol alcohol in the ear, the otolaryngologist determines the type of otitis media. The drug can be used only with the external form of the disease. In addition, the effectiveness of chloramphenicol is determined by how sensitive harmful microorganisms are to the effects of the antibiotic.
The duration of treatment with a solution, as well as the dosage and frequency of use, are determined individually. For the treatment of otitis media of the upper ear, chloramphenicol is not always used in the traditional way (instillation). Most often, especially in childhood, the laying of turundas from cotton wool soaked in a solution is prescribed.
Chloramphenicol, which is part of the alcohol solution, is active against most known pathogens of otitis media. Alcohol dries the skin in the affected area and disinfects the inflamed area.
Most otolaryngologists agree that it is not worth dripping chloramphenicol alcohol into the ear. This can be dangerous, as it can provoke an allergic reaction, itching and swelling.
Indications for the use of chloramphenicol in the ears are:
- Otitis of bacterial or viral origin.
- Inflammation of the outer ear.
- The presence of purulent discharge from the area of the ear canal.
- Furunculosis.
Against the background of the use of an alcoholic composition, the integrity of the inflamed structures is violated, the harmful cells die, and the recovery process starts.
A specialist should prescribe treatment for otitis media with chloramphenicol, he also determines the necessary dosages. Self-use of the drug can lead to burns of the mucosa and other dangerous complications.
Contraindications
Contraindications for using the drug as an anti-inflammatory agent are:
- Intolerance to the components included in the solution, including chloramphenicol.
- The period of gestation and breastfeeding. This limitation is due to the fact that chloramphenicol is able to penetrate into breast milk and through the placental barrier.
- Lesions of the ear canal of fungal origin. In this case, the drug will be ineffective.
- Violation of the kidneys and liver.
- The presence of wounds and ulcers in the ear canal.
- The child is under three years old.
- The risk of perforation of the eardrum.
- Eczema and psoriasis.
If these conditions are found, the doctor will recommend other, safer drugs for the treatment of otitis externa.
Instruction: for adults and children
It is not recommended to treat inflammation and stop the pain before visiting a specialist. Only a doctor can determine the type of otitis media and the degree of ear damage, as well as select the appropriate treatment. It is forbidden to introduce alcoholic solutions into the ear canal if perforation of the eardrum is detected in the patient.
Before using the chloramphenicol solution, preliminary preparation is carried out. Alcohol is diluted with purified water in equal proportions and warmed up to body temperature.
If treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis and no improvement is observed after three days of using the drug, you should consult a doctor. In this case, the risk of complications increases.
For therapeutic purposes, a 3% solution is used. If an adult patient has no contraindications, chloramphenicol is used to treat otitis media. Turunda, soaked in a solution, is injected into the ear once a day before bedtime for 10 minutes. Remediation is carried out only on the affected ear. For the prevention of alcohol solution is not used. After removing turunda from the ear, it should be insulated for the night.
In some cases, adults are allowed to instill an alcohol solution. The procedure can be performed up to three times a day for 1-2 drops.
The instillation of chloramphenicol in the ear of a child under the age of 10 is prohibited. This is due to the sensitivity of the epithelial layer and mucous membranes at this age. The likelihood of irritation when used in young children increases. An allergic reaction will be accompanied by pain and burning.
For children over the age of three, chloramphenicol is introduced in the form of turundum. The solution is administered for 5-10 minutes, after which the ear is insulated. If adverse reactions occur, it is not recommended to continue treatment with the drug.
Compresses and lotions
To put a compress, chloramphenicol alcohol is diluted with warm water in equal proportions. The fabric or gauze is wetted in the resulting solution. In this case, a hole for the ear must be made in the compress first. Next, the bandage is applied to the affected area, and the ear remains open thanks to a special hole. To achieve the maximum effect of the compress, it is insulated with cotton wool and fixed with a bandage. The dressing is not removed for three hours. It is a mistake to believe that the compress can be left all night, this can cause irritation and allergies.
After removing the compress, the ear should be treated with petroleum jelly or baby cream. This will prevent the development of irritation. The course of treatment with chloramphenicol lotions should not exceed one week. Otitis media cannot be heated in case of its purulent or internal form.
When treating otitis media with chloramphenicol, the rules described above should be followed. To minimize possible adverse reactions, it is necessary to first obtain the consultation of an otolaryngologist. In some cases, it is absolutely impossible to use the solution, as this can lead to serious complications.
Preventive measures
To prevent otitis media, as well as to eliminate its recurrence, a number of recommendations should be followed, including:
- Timely consultation with a doctor at the first sign of developing otitis media.
- Treatment of inflammatory foci in other organs of the ENT system.
- Regular preventive visits to the otolaryngologist.
- Compliance with hygiene of the auditory cavity.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including giving up bad habits, playing sports and strengthening immunity.
- Moderate physical activity.
- Taking vitamin preparations.
This is a fairly simple list of recommendations, the implementation of which will help prevent the development of otitis media.
Conclusion
Contrary to the fact that chloramphenicol alcohol solution is recognized as an effective disinfectant and antibacterial agent, in case of otitis media, it is possible to use the drug only if there is evidence and in consultation with a specialist. Inappropriate use of the solution can aggravate the patient's condition and cause complications, including hearing loss.
We reviewed the instructions for use with chloramphenicol alcohol in the ear.