A double-blind comparative study of trimethoprim-polymyxin B versus trimethoprim-sulfacetamide-polymyxin B otic solutions in the treatment of otorrhea.

This was a double-blind randomized study to compare the safety and efficacy of trimethoprim-polymyxin B (TP) and trimethoprim-sulfacetamide-polymyxin B (TSP) drops in the treatment of otorrhea. The 68 cases treated suffered from external otitis, recurrent otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation, or infected mastoid cavities and post-operative tympanoplasties. The TP ototopical solution was successful in 60.6 per cent of cases compared to 88.6 per cent of cases with TSP. These rates were statistically different using the Chi Square with Yates' correction method. There were no signs of ototoxicity, fungal infection overgrowth or local sensitivity to either of the solutions. The study has shown that both drugs are equally safe and that TSP is significantly more effective in the treatment of otorrhea.