14 best ear drops

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

In modern clinical practice, there are a wide variety of agents used in topical drops that 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, which goes to the eardrum and to the middle ear, is quite vulnerable.

You can remember that the surface of the eye is wetted with a sterile tear, and with the help of frequent blinking, the cornea is constantly cleansed. The nasal cavity is very well supplied with blood and rhinorrhea is a defense mechanism. Abundant discharge from the nose leads to an increase in the secretion of immunoglobulins in the mucus, and this allows in most cases to cope with viral and bacterial rhinitis.

The external auditory canal has cartilaginous and bony parts, physiological curves, and not such a good blood supply. Earwax regularly accumulates in it, which, although it protects the inner surface of the ear, has antifungal and antibacterial properties, but at the same time it quite 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 demanded drugs. These are drops with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, containing corticosteroid hormones, antibiotics, antiseptics. Funds have been allocated for the elimination and prevention of sulfur plugs.

Most of these drops are prescribed by an ENT doctor, therefore, you can only use antiseptic agents and preparations in liquid form to prevent the occurrence and dissolution of plugs. It must be remembered that self-medication, even with local drugs, is dangerous, and can lead to chronic infection and its transition to a sluggish form, Therefore, all information is intended solely for information.

Rating of the best ear drops

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best anti-inflammatory and pain relieving ear drops	1	Polydexa	224 r
	2	Sofradex	360 RUB
	3	Anauran	286 r
	4	Otipax (lidocaine and phenazone)	274 r
	5	Otinum (Choline Salicylate)	RUB 160
The best remedies for removing and preventing the appearance of sulfur plugs	1	A-cerumen	367 r
	2	Remo-Wax	430 RUB
	3	Aqua-Maris Oto	403 RUB
The best drops for treating microbial infections	1	Otofa (rifamycin)	RUB 186
	2	Normax (norfloxacin)	158 RUB
	3	Dancil (ofloxacin)	125 RUB
The best drops with antifungal effect and antiseptics	1	Candibiotic	263 r
	2	Sanguirithrin	127 RUB
	3	Miramistin	366 r

Best anti-inflammatory and pain relieving ear drops

These ear drops are most often used in the complex therapy of various inflammatory diseases. These include otitis externa and otitis media, inflammation of the auditory, or Eustachian tubes. They are prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of various diseases of the ENT organs, including with infected eczema of the external auditory canal, with catarrhal otitis media, complicated by a secondary bacterial infection.

Polydexa

Rating: 4.9

Polydex ear drops open the rating. It is a complex preparation containing the strong anti-inflammatory component Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid hormone, and two antibiotics: neomycin and polymyxin B. These are light yellow ear drops that tend to foam slightly. The range of application of these drops is quite wide. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, and also inhibit the multiplication of various pathogenic microorganisms, both gram-positive and negative. Antibiotics suppress the reproduction of Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, E.coli, and many other microbes.

They can be prescribed for many otitis media, except for streptococcal, since streptococci are resistant to these antibiotics. Therefore, ideally, Polydex should be prescribed after the results of bacteriological inoculation of the discharge from the external auditory canal. But ear drops of Polydex can be prescribed at the initial stage of treatment of various otitis externa, eczema of the outer ear, if there is no damage to the eardrum.

It is necessary to apply Polydex ear drops by instilling 1 to 5 drops into the external auditory canal in the morning and evening, the average course of treatment is one week, but no more than 10 days. This drug is produced by the French company Pharmaster, and the average cost of one 10.5 ml bottle at the end of 2018 prices is 245 rubles per one package.

Advantages and disadvantages

The big advantage of these ear drops is considered to be a good analgesic effect and suppression of microbial inflammation. Already on the first day of the appointment of this drug, the patient experiences significant relief. It is very important to pre-warm the bottle under a stream of warm water, or with the help of your hands, because if cold liquid gets into the ear, unpleasant symptoms may occur. In rare cases, a local allergic reaction occurs, in the form of a slight burning sensation in the external auditory canal. The drug should not be used by pregnant and lactating mothers, and the integrity of the eardrum is a very important prescription condition. If the patient has perforation due to chronic otitis media, then this agent should not be used, since it can have a toxic effect on the structures of the middle ear and vestibular apparatus. But if Polydex ear drops are prescribed according to indications, then they will be an excellent tool to alleviate the patient's condition.

Sofradex

Rating: 4.8

The second representative of similar ear drops containing an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid hormone and an antibiotic is Sofradex. Highly active dexamethasone is used as an anti-inflammatory component, but the antibiotics in these ear drops are already different. These are gramicidin and framycetin.

This drug has not only anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, but can be used for allergic ear lesions, as it relieves itching and weeping. In this case, antibiotics act on many pathogenic bacteria, E. coli and staphylococci. Gramicidin and framycetin act as synergists, and enhance the anti-staphylococcal effect of each other.

Sofradex is used not only for otitis externa, but also in ophthalmology, and this will be a big plus: these are not only ear, but also eye drops. For ear diseases, the dosage is usually 3 drops, 3 to 4 times a day. You can drip not only drops, but also put a turunda moistened with Sofradex solution into your ear. Usually the duration of the course 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, the big advantage of these ear drops is the ability to use them in the treatment of eye diseases such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, iridocyclitis, or with eczema of the eyelid skin. However, before prescribing it, it is necessary to consult a specialist, since there are certain contraindications. These are perforation of the tympanic membrane, fungal infection, herpetic lesion of the ear canal. You can not use Sofradex in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in infants.

In some cases, especially with prolonged and unreasonable use in the form of self-medication, dexamethasone contributes to the suppression of local immunity, and the addition of a fungal infection is possible. But, as practice shows, a short course of Sofradex prescription for 5 days can reduce the period of temporary disability associated with acute otitis media or exacerbation of its chronic form.

Anauran

Rating: 4.7

Anauran is a fairly well-known ear drops that 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 pain relief occurs immediately after instillation.

These ear drops are shown for various external otitis media, with inflammation of the middle ear, with postoperative conditions and the presence of purulent complications in otolaryngology, as well as with acute inflammation of the middle ear, and again before the occurrence of perforation.

It is necessary to prescribe Anauran, 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 25 ml bottle of Anauran is 290 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The great advantage of Anauran is the absence of potent hormones in the recipe. This avoids the occurrence of fungal infection of the external auditory canal, but at the same time, Anauran is not used to treat itching and allergic wetness. Its role is much more important in the treatment of otitis media, which is accompanied by severe pain. In this case, the remedy is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, children under one year of age, with individual hypersensitivity to antibiotics or lidocaine.

Otipax (lidocaine and phenazone)

Rating: 4.7

Otipax is another combination ear drop that contains the local anesthetic lidocaine and phenazone, which has analgesic properties. Its action is based on blocking cyclooxygenase and suppressing inflammation, and this component is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Otipax is shown for use in various otitis media, in 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. 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. A 15 ml bottle costs about 280 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

A big plus of Otipax 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 it occurs, you should consult a doctor, since the remedy does not always need to be canceled, in some cases this side effect goes away by itself.

Otipax is used, among other things, in pregnant and lactating mothers, but only if they do not have a perforation of the eardrum. If there is perforation, then it is better not to prescribe this tool. Therefore, it is best to independently purchase these ear drops, only being 100% sure that the eardrum is safe and sound.

Otinum (Choline Salicylate)

Rating: 4.7

Otinum ear drops stand somewhat apart, since they do not contain hormones and anesthetics. They contain only choline salicylate, which belongs to the derivatives of salicylic acid. Therefore, these ear drops have an exceptionally mild anti-inflammatory effect, and some analgesic effect associated with inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the inflammation focus.

Shown are Otinum ear drops for acute catarrhal otitis media, as a means for prophylaxis after surgery. They are buried in 3 or 4 drops in the affected ear 3 to 4 times a day. After instillation, you must wait, lying on your side, for a few minutes to achieve the best effect. This product is produced by the Polish pharmaceutical company Polfa, and a 10 ml dropper bottle costs, on average, 215 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Good tolerance is considered the advantage of these ear drops, it is always better with mono-component preparations. But it must be remembered that the use of this remedy for perforation of the tympanic membrane can cause a significant violation of the structure of the inner ear, hearing impairment or even temporary deafness. That is why examination by an ENT doctor should be mandatory before prescribing this remedy. Local allergic reactions may also occur, these drops are not recommended in case of intolerance to salicylates and aspirin, with polyposis of the nasal cavity, with aspirin asthma and with other similar diagnoses of aspirin allergy. But in the event that the patient has a mild catarrhal inflammation of the external ear, then this drug can reduce the inflammation, and the unpleasant symptoms associated with it, such as pain and a feeling of heaviness in the ear.

The best remedies for removing and preventing the appearance of sulfur plugs

These drugs dissolve the sulfur and remove it from the ear canal. These ear drops are arguably the safest as 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 hygiene products.

A-cerumen

Rating: 4.9

Ear drops A-cerumen are sold in two different versions: in the form of separate plastic droppers with a volume of 2 ml, in one package there are 5 such bottles. The second form of release is a spray, 40 ml in a bottle, and such a package, according to doctors and patients, will be the most convenient. A-cerumen contains special surfactants that improve the solubility of sulfur and facilitate its removal.

These ear drops are used to dissolve ripe plugs, to prevent their formation, as well as for hygiene purposes, that is, they can also be used in healthy people. A-cerumen in disposable droppers is prescribed by instilling half of a disposable dropper bottle in each ear, that is, one dropper bottle is required for one hygienic treatment procedure. To eliminate traffic jams, you need to do this twice a day for 4 days, and for prevention, it is enough to use the agent twice a week. This drug is produced by the French company Laboratory Gilbert, and a package of 5 disposable droppers costs 400 rubles, and a package in the form of a spray will cost 200 rubles more.

Advantages and disadvantages

A big plus of A-cerumen is the absence of contraindications, except for the perforation of the tympanic membrane and increased sensitivity to the drug. It is very convenient that this remedy can be used in young children, including the first day of life. The only drawback is the condition of the mandatory use of an open dropper during the day, therefore, naturally, the spray will be more convenient for use. Regular use of these ear drops for cleaning has been shown in numerous studies to reduce the risk of acute and chronic otitis media.

Remo-Wax

Rating: 4.8

The second popular and demanded drug in the form of ear drops for regular hygiene and dissolving sulfur plugs will be Remo-Wax, which is positioned by the manufacturer as a hygienic product for the care of ears and auricle skin. Unlike A-cerumen, the composition of these drops is known. These are allantoin, sorbic acid, liquid lanolin and mink oil, phenylethanol and other ingredients.

The product actively dissolves earwax, which most often accumulates and becomes denser in warm and dusty seasons, with frequent use of earplugs or headphones, or with an incorrect attempt to remove sulfur plugs with cotton swabs.

It is necessary to use the drug after warming up the bottle. Then you need to lie on your side, pull the ear down, and carefully drip 20 drops, trying to make them flow down the back wall of the ear canal. This requires some skill and spray packaging would be more appropriate. At the same time, the manufacturer advises not to drip into the center of the external ear canal, in order to avoid the occurrence of an airlock. After applying the product, after 10 minutes, you need 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. For the purpose of prevention, it is necessary to use Remo-Wax 2 times a month. This product is produced by the Finnish company Orion, and the average cost of one 10 ml bottle is 448 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Perhaps the most serious drawback of these ear drops is the skill required to instill them. But on the other hand, the opened bottle does not require any time limitation, the shelf life remains the same. This remedy is deservedly considered hypoallergenic, and can be used by both adults and children from birth. The only contraindication is, again, perforation of the tympanic membrane, severe pain in the ears, the outflow of any secretion or discharge from the external auditory canal. In these cases, an urgent consultation with an ENT doctor is required.

Aqua-Maris Oto

Rating: 4.8

Please, Aqua-Maris Oto will be the simplest of all ear drops. As the name suggests, this is ordinary natural seawater, which also cleans the ear canal well. This tool facilitates the removal of sulfur plugs, and is indicated for use in adults and children over 4 years old, but it is better to use it for prophylaxis, and especially for those people who often use hearing aids and in-ear headphones. Shown by Aqua-Maris Oto and those who live in a dusty area. Aqua-Maris Oto is buried using a special tip, by pressing the nozzle. This allows the product to be injected under low pressure, and to avoid prolonged instillation, as one press is enough.

For hygienic purposes, a single application 2 times a week is quite enough, but with the accumulation of earwax and the formation of plugs, it is better to use Remo-Wax or A-cerumen, which specifically dissolve the plugs. Aqua-Maris Oto is produced by the Croatian company Jadran. Its cost in a pharmacy is about 500 rubles, but still psychologically I don't really want to pay such an amount for 100 ml of sea water.

Advantages and disadvantages

The big advantage of this remedy will be hypoallergenicity and safety of use. However, this drug is good not only for dissolving plugs, especially in difficult and chronic cases, but for prevention. Its price is quite high considering the composition, and it is in the same price group as high performance cork solvents. At the same time, despite all the safety of sea water, severe inflammation and perforation of the tympanic membrane is a contraindication to use.

The best drops for treating microbial infections

In the group of ear drops, preparations have already been considered that contain a complex of antibiotics. In this group, we will consider such ear drops that do not contain anti-inflammatory or analgesic components, and all their action is reduced to bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on pathogenic flora, which causes acute otitis media, or exacerbation of a chronic inflammatory process. There are a lot of these tools, so we will consider only some of the most popular and effective ones.

Otofa (rifamycin)

Rating: 4.9

Otofa ear drops with antibacterial action contain the antibiotic rifamycin, and are used for purulent otitis media. This antibiotic prevents microorganisms from multiplying and inhibits the synthesis of nucleic acids in bacterial cells. It is used for staphylococcal lesions, in the presence of hemolytic streptococcus, in pneumococcal otitis media, and even in otitis media of tuberculous and meningococcal etiology. Also, these drops are prescribed 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. These ear drops are produced by the French pharmaceutical company Bouchard Ricordati, and the average cost of one 10 ml bottle is 185 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of Otof's ear drops is the breadth of action, because rifamycin is harmful not only for banal streptococci and staphylococci, but also for gonococcal flora, and even for mycobacterium tuberculosis. But this tool needs to be used only in very short courses, and it has one unpleasant feature: it stains any surface very strongly, so you need to be careful to avoid damage to clothes. But on the other hand, this agent has very good tolerance; of the contraindications, only hypersensitivity is noted. And this means that Otofu can be used as prescribed by a doctor even for pregnant women, which is not so common even among local products produced in drops.

Normax (norfloxacin)

Rating: 4.8

Normax antimicrobial ear drops contain a representative of fluoroquinolones, norfloxacin, as an active substance. These drops are used not only to treat ear diseases, but are also buried in the eyes. The activity of this agent is the highest in the presence of gram-negative flora, and the drops do not affect gram-positive microorganisms so well, but they are quite indicated for otitis media caused by staphylococcal and streptococcal flora. Normax is used for various forms of external and internal otitis media, for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of the auditory, or Eustachian tube. Normax ear drops are buried 4 times a day, in a dosage of 1 to 2 drops. On the first day, in case of acute lesion, 2 drops can be instilled every 2 hours. These ear drops are produced by the pharmaceutical company Ipka Laboratory (India), and one 5 ml dropper bottle can be purchased at a low price of 165 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Normax will be a low and democratic price, but at the same time there is a significant limitation for its use. It should not be administered to pregnant women, persons under 18 years of age, and during breastfeeding. For the best effect, the drug must be used in conjunction with tableted antimicrobial drugs, or in conjunction with their injectable forms (injections). In some cases, allergic reactions, dizziness, or sleep disorders occur, so the drug, despite its effectiveness, must be used with caution, and only as directed by a doctor.

Dancil (ofloxacin)

Rating: 4.7

Dancil ear drops are also represented by an antibiotic from the fluoroquinolone group. The active ingredient is the well-known ofloxacin. It has long been available as a tablet called Zanocin or Tarivid, but it is produced locally by the Indian pharmaceutical company Sentiss Pharma. A remedy is shown for various forms of purulent and non-purulent otitis media and external otitis media, and a big plus is the possibility of using it for perforating the tympanic membrane.

It is assigned to adults and children after 12 years. The average dosage is 10 drops in the affected ear, one to 2 times a day, for 2 weeks. Prescription is also possible for children over one year old, but only as directed by a doctor and under his supervision. The cost of one 5 ml bottle 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 that they can be used for perforated processes of the eardrum, 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 surgery as a means of preventing infection in ophthalmology. The drug is inexpensive and quite effective.

The best 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 media with the addition of a fungal infection. Quite often, situations arise when signs of dermatomycosis appear on the skin of the ear canal. This may be due to an excessive passion for hormonal ointments. The most popular and affordable drugs are Candibiotic and Sanguirithrin, which are often used in otorhinolaryngology. The well-known Miramistin can be considered a modern domestic drug of this kind.

Candibiotic

Rating: 4.9

Candibiotic are ear drops that are used as 'heavy artillery' and only as directed by an ENT doctor. The composition includes not only the antifungal drug clotrimazole, but also an antibacterial agent – chloramphenicol, the corticosteroid hormone beclomethasone with pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, and the local anesthetic lidocaine, which has a pronounced analgesic effect.

These ear drops are shown for various forms of external and middle purulent otitis media, as a means of support after ENT operations. These ear drops are applied by instilling 5 drops into each ear canal 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. Candibiotic is produced by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and the average cost of one 5 ml bottle is 300 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

A big plus of Candibiotics is its widespread use, and the suppression of both bacterial and fungal infections, a pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic component. However, this agent is quite expensive and is not indicated for tympanic membrane perforation and in children under six years of age. In rare cases, itching and burning may appear as a side effect in case of allergy to the drug, and at the same time, Candibiotic must be canceled, or consult your doctor. The tool must, as in other cases, drip warm.

Sanguirithrin

Rating: 4.8

This drug is produced in the form of an alcohol solution, and contains active components with a difficult to pronounce name – sanguinarine hydrogen sulfate and chelerythrine hydrogen sulfate. They are isolated from plant materials and are considered natural alkaloids. These ear drops have antifungal, bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. The active ingredients act not only on pathogenic fungi and yeasts, but also on various microorganisms, and on some protozoa. Alcohol solution is used not only in adults, but also in newborns. Sanguirithrin can be used by moistening a gauze turunda with an alcohol solution and carefully placing it in the external auditory canal for no longer than 15 minutes. This procedure is repeated 2 to 3 times every day. Thus, it is necessary to treat otitis media for two weeks, and if the otitis media is purulent and chronic, then adults need to instill this solution into the external auditory canal five drops from 3 to 4 times a day. Sanguirithrin is produced by the domestic company Pharmvilar, and the cost of a 50 ml bottle is 198 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of this remedy will be a natural source – plant 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 auditory canal with the presence of wetness. Occasionally, when the 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, since 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, which 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 suppress the growth and reproduction of hospital flora, affects pathogenic fungi, and also has antiviral activity, including herpes and human immunodeficiency viruses.

The agent is indicated for instillation into the external auditory canal, and for treatment with an application in the form of a turunda. It is non-irritating and non-allergenic, and is not 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 strep throat and chronic tonsillitis. Miramistin should be moistened with gauze turunda and introduced into the external auditory canal 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 tolerance, and the ability to use it both for prophylaxis and in 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 examination by an ENT doctor, even with perforation of the tympanic membrane.

In conclusion, the review of popular ear drops must be emphasized that the overwhelming majority of drugs are strictly contraindicated in violation of the integrity of the eardrum. Many drugs cause an ototoxic effect, 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 plugs, should be prescribed under the supervision of an otolaryngologist.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.