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Is Neomycin Effective At Treating Ear Infections?

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Posted on Wed, 1 Aug 2018
Question: can neomycin eye drops be used for ear infection and cause pulse to be 148 at rest
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Antibiotic eye drops can be used topically (dripped into the ear canal) to treat otitis externa infections of the ear - that is infection of the ear canal. It cannot treat infections of the ear drum or middle ear (otitis media) which is what we usually mean when we say a person has an ear infection. For that you need oral antibiotics.

Regarding the rapid heart rate, it's possible that you are having an allergic reaction to the antibiotic but usually there would be swelling and itching at the site where you drip in the medicine. Not a lot is absorbed, so I wouldn't expect tachycardia to happen but it is possible.

Does the neomycin preparation also contain a steroid? That may be causing tachycardia.

If your heart rate is this elevated at rest, I recommend you go in now to an urgent care clinic or ER where you can be evaluated and also the ear canal can be looked at for an allergic reaction. There may be something else going on that is causing the tachycardia as well.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Is Neomycin Effective At Treating Ear Infections?

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Antibiotic eye drops can be used topically (dripped into the ear canal) to treat otitis externa infections of the ear - that is infection of the ear canal. It cannot treat infections of the ear drum or middle ear (otitis media) which is what we usually mean when we say a person has an ear infection. For that you need oral antibiotics. Regarding the rapid heart rate, it's possible that you are having an allergic reaction to the antibiotic but usually there would be swelling and itching at the site where you drip in the medicine. Not a lot is absorbed, so I wouldn't expect tachycardia to happen but it is possible. Does the neomycin preparation also contain a steroid? That may be causing tachycardia. If your heart rate is this elevated at rest, I recommend you go in now to an urgent care clinic or ER where you can be evaluated and also the ear canal can be looked at for an allergic reaction. There may be something else going on that is causing the tachycardia as well.