Guidance on Ciprofloxacin Ear Drops for Otitis Externa with Tinnitus Concerns?

[eve123]

Hi there,

My right ear was diagnosed with otitis externa (swimmer's ear). I was prescribed Ciprofloxacin drops, which I initially thought were not ototoxic based on what I read.

I have only used them in my right ear three times so far. Should I stop and switch to something else?

I also bought the Polysporin Plus Pain ear drops (have not used them yet), but I read that they contain Polymyxin B, which is also considered ototoxic. Now I am scared to take the next dose.

Today, my other ear (the left one) is starting to hurt, but the walk-in clinic said the canal does not appear inflamed. However, I read online that an infection could be starting even without visible symptoms. This is the ear where I have tinnitus, likely caused by a loud car backfire or possibly an MRI I had about a week earlier. The tinnitus in this ear sounds muffled, and there is a little pain. I am not sure if the issue is that the bacteria spread from the right ear or if something else is going on.

So, what should I do? What drops should I use in my right ear, which has the confirmed infection? Should I go to a health store and try something more natural that I saw online?

I know it is not ideal to stop or change antibiotics suddenly, but I have only taken three doses so far. To be honest, I only used one dose per day, even though I was supposed to use them twice daily. The first drops I received from the pharmacy contained a steroid, which I did not realize at the time. I have rosacea, so I am not supposed to use anything with steroids.

Today is day three, and I already used the drops this morning. I just got home and saw all this information, and now I am unsure what to do for the evening dose.

 

[Varda]

Ask about Acetic Acid (VoSol).

ChatGPT says that Ofloxacin ear drops are the gentlest among the fluoroquinolones.

Polymyxin B appears to be quite dangerous for tinnitus.

 

[eve123]

Ofloxacin belongs to the same family as Ciprofloxacin. I also read about people getting "floxed" from this class of drugs, and it absolutely terrified me. There are reports of individuals ending up in wheelchairs after just two pills. These were legitimate articles, not just posts on Reddit. I even read that the UK government advises against using fluoroquinolones as a first-line treatment.

I read that Acetic Acid can cause severe burning or even allergic reactions.

I honestly do not know what to do.

I would prefer to take oral Cephalexin, but it is related to Penicillin. I had a rash from Penicillin as a baby, so I do not know whether I am truly allergic. I also do not know if any doctor would be willing to prescribe it because of the potential risk of anaphylaxis.