Otitis Media

2 medicines

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that is especially common in young children, usually following a cold or another upper respiratory illness. Bacterial cases are treated with a course of antibiotics.

Ceftin

Cefuroxime

250/500mg

Ceftin is a antibiotics medication containing Cefuroxime, available as 250/500mg tablets.

from $3.49 / tablet View

Suprax

Cefixime

100/200mg

Suprax is a antibiotics medication containing Cefixime, available as 100/200mg tablets.

from $2.18 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, the space just behind the eardrum, and one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, especially in young children.
  • It often follows a cold or another upper respiratory illness; symptoms include ear pain, a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing, and sometimes fever.
  • Bacterial otitis media is treated with oral antibiotics; cefuroxime and cefixime, both cephalosporins, are common first choices.
  • Seek care promptly for severe pain, high fever, hearing loss that persists after treatment, or symptoms that recur shortly after finishing a course of antibiotics.

Recognising the infection

The typical picture includes ear pain, a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing, and sometimes fever. Young children who cannot describe ear pain may tug at the ear, become unusually irritable, or sleep poorly. In some cases the eardrum perforates and releases fluid, which can bring sudden relief of pain but still needs proper follow-up. Adults develop otitis media too, often following a cold or another upper respiratory illness, and a blocked eustachian tube from congestion is usually the underlying trigger, since it stops fluid draining normally from the middle ear.

Antibiotic treatment

Many mild episodes resolve on their own, but bacterial otitis media needs antibiotics. Oral cephalosporins are the usual first choice: cefuroxime covers the key bacterial causes reliably, while cefixime is often used where once-daily dosing improves adherence. Both are cephalosporin antibiotics that work by disrupting bacterial cell walls. A full course, typically five to ten days, matters even when symptoms ease early, since stopping early can let surviving bacteria flare back up. Pain relief with a simple analgesic alongside the antibiotic keeps the first day or two more comfortable.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical attention promptly if pain is severe, fever is high, hearing loss persists beyond a few days after treatment, or symptoms recur shortly after a course of antibiotics.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.