October 01, 2009

Treatment of Chronic Draining Ear Infections Using Antibiotic Powder

Rarely, some unfortunate souls have chronic draining ear infections that do not respond well to oral antibiotics nor antibiotic ear drops. What many people and even physicians are unaware of is that there are alternative ways of addressing the chronic draining ear including use of antibiotics in powder form.

The method I like best is by using the Sheehy-House Powder Insufflator Bulb.

The pharmacy will make up gelcaps containing antibiotics (anti-bacterial as well as anti-fungal) and even steroids (usually hydrocortisone).

One first removes the tip of the insufflator bulb.



Than open up the gelcap such that the powder is all in one side and insert into the insufflator tip compartment.



Than replace the bulb tip.



During an active infection, the powder is "puffed" into the ear twice a day. Once back to normal, one puff weekly prevents the ear from becoming infected again. This method eliminates adding more "moisture" to the ear (as when happens when using antibiotic ear drops) as the powder not only addresses the infection, but the drainage itself becomes a medium for the antibiotic powder to do its thing.

Keep in mind that this method requires a prescription and the gelcaps must be compounded. As such, not all pharmacies may be able to fill and not all health insurances will cover compounded medications.

Some common recipes are shown below. Each ingredient is pulverized and placed into a Lilly #4 gel capsule. Capsules should be refrigerated, except the one stored in the insufflator. The insufflator with the capsule in it should not be refrigerated. The exact recipe used depends on the ear infection present.

Recipe #1:
Chloramphenicol 50mg
Sulfanilamide 50mg
Amphotericin 5mg

Recipe #2:
Chloramphenicol 50mg
Sulfanilamide 50mg
Amphotericin 5mg
Hydrocortisone 1mg

Recipe #3:
Chloramphenicol 50mg
Amphotericin 5mg

Recipe #4:
Chloramphenicol 50mg
Amphotericin 5mg
Hydrocortisone 1mg

Recipe #5:
Chloromycetin 50mg
Sulfanilimide 50mg
Fungizone 5mg
Hydrocortisone 1mg

Recipe #6:
Chloromycetin 50mg
Sulfanilimide 50mg
Fungi zone 5mg



Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Interesting post about Treatment of Chronic Draining Ear Infections Using Antibiotic Powder, in these days ear infection is more common and people have to try to be careful with their health, for example I unfortunately spend much money in buying generic viagra only because I need it and well Im close to be a senior citizen.

Anonymous said...

I really really need to know the compound and actual names of the medications that the pharmacist mix to make this compound. I used powder before and it dried my ear up within days. Lasted almost 7 years and began again.

Anonymous said...

This has proven to work with me after suffering 6 years with constant wet ears, itching, and even bleeding from itching them. I used the powder along with a cream for my outer ear to stop the itching. More physicians should know about this. I went to six different physicians before someone knew what to do to help me. One doctor even stated I had a possible tumor and wanted to do surgery with the risk of cutting the main nerve to my face she said. Yikes! Thank goodness I didn't listen to her and found someone who knew what they were doing. It was also suggested to use "Boric Acid Powder" after the antibiotics has cleared the drainage as a preventative way to keep the moisture out. (using the same puffer, and saving the empty capsules)

Rippy said...

I was prescribed boric acid powder compounded with hydrocortisone insufflation by my neurotologist at Johns Hopkins recently. Worked. Wish this had been tried first after 5 years of suffering. Worked!

Rippy said...

My neurotologist prescribed boric acid powder/hydrocortisone insufflation for me after 5 years of suffering. Wish they had tried this 5 years earlier. Worked!

Anonymous said...

I have had drainage in my ear for many years. During this period, I went to 4 different ENT’s. When I told the first one I use ear plugs when showering and I thought the liquid was coming from the inside of the ear, he told me that it was impossible. The second ENT would prescribe only ear drops which did not help. The third one told me there was nothing to be done. Finally I found a competent ENT that prescribed a compound powder administered by a “puffer”. It has not cured me but I am a 100% better and I use the puffer once a month.


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