Topical therapeutics for otitis media.

In chronic draining ear associated with a tympanic membrane perforation, cholesteatoma, or both, the infection is that of bacterial contamination. Both aerobic and anaerobic organisms are found, notably pseudomonas, staphylococcus, and enteric organisms, particularly bacteroides. The disease exists because of a structural defect in the middle ear cleft, which requires surgery as definitive treatment. Medical therapy is valuable as a temporary measure in preoperative preparation, and in prevention and management of intracranial extension. Topical therapy with antibiotic ear drops is often helpful, but also important is local care with cleansing, drying, and antiseptic solutions or powders. Therapy is usually directed toward the pseudomonas organisms with aminoglycoside-polymyxin combination otic drops. However, Bacteroides fragilis now looms as an important pathogen in 13% of affected patients. Chloramphenicol otic drops are indicated when such an infection is suspected or identified.