Can Metronidazole treat ear infections?

Can Metronidazole treat ear infections?

No, Metronidazole can not treat ear infections and it is not intended to be used for one. Metronidazole is usually active against anaerobic bacteria, which can survive without oxygen (1). 

It can also be used for protozoal infections of the intestines and genitals. Metronidazole is not a good choice of antibiotic for ear infections as it is not active against the bacteria that are usually responsible for causing such infections. 

If you have pain and irritation in your ear, with or without fever, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor will prescribe you the most suitable medication to get rid of your symptoms. 

What medications treat ear infections? 

Ear infections are usually treated with the following medications (2):

  • Amoxicillin 
  • Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid
  • Neomycin solution or suspension 
  • Ciprofloxacin solution or suspension – with Dexamethasone or Hydrocortisone 
  • Ofloxacin solution

The above-mentioned antibiotics are also active against common ear infections, but the best one for you is determined by your healthcare provider. 

Don’t ever start taking antibiotics without talking to your doctor first. Some ear infections are treated with antibiotic ear drops, whereas some infections need oral antibiotic administration. 

The best dosage form according to your symptoms can only be determined by your doctor. 

How to know you have an ear infection?

Ear infections are commonly associated with the following signs and symptoms:

  • Pain in the infected ear, which could be mild or severe.
  • Difficulty hearing
  • Fever
  • Ear drainage
  • Irritability
  • Loss of balance
  • Headache

It is important to talk to your doctor if you think you have an ear infection. Your doctor will properly diagnose the condition and prescribe the best possible antibiotics. your doctor may also recommend OTC medications to relieve pain associated with your ear infection.

Make sure you don’t start using antibiotics on your own. there are plenty of antibiotics and your body may not work well with every single one of them. This is exactly why the right choice of antibiotic is crucial. 

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References

1.-

MedlinePlus. Metronidazole: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2021 [updated 2021 Apr 15; cited 2023 Jan 25]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689011.html

2.-

National Health Services. Ear infection – Symptoms and causes [Internet]. NHS.UK. 2021 [cited 2023 Jan 25]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/.