Otic topical agents.

Ototopical preparations are available for the treatment of obstruction, dermatitis, pain, and infection of the ear canal and the mastoid and tympanic structures. Most preparations contain alcohol and some type of mild acid, both of which provide nonspecific antiseptic activity against fungi and bacteria. For bacterial infections the combination of neomycin and polymyxin offers the best therapeutic spectrum against common pathogens. Ototoxicity from topical use in man is a theoretic possibility but not a practical problem. Chloramphenicol (otic) is an alternative in infections caused by bacteroides, but not by the more common P aeruginosa. When otic preparations are too painful for application through a tympanic perforation, an ophthalmic preparation may be more acceptable.