- Joined
- Sep 2, 2005
- Messages
- 67
- Reaction score
- 0
I apologize this post is not in relation to residency, but I have a question I thought a future ENT might know (I'm an MSIII interested in IM or FP).
I was recently prescribed Cortisporin (neomycin, polymyxin b, hydrocortisone) for otitis externa. When I realized the Rx was an aminoglycoside I immediately asked the pharmacist about ototoxicity. She had no clue, thought I was crazy and just responded that it's used all the time for ear infections.
Is it correct that aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity from topical drops can only occur when there is a perforation of the tympanic membrane (and a really stupid question, how would I know if I had one since I can't look in my own ear?)? Or is ototoxicity a real possibility when used as prescribed?
The prescribing info clearly documents ototoxicity. I've decided, overcautiously or not, to stop the cortisporin. Am I just being paranoid?
How about floroquinolones? I thought they were supposed to be non-ototoxic and that Floxin Otic (ofloxacin) can even be used with a perforated TM, yet I've come across claims they too can be ototoxic.
I was supposed to be a rock star before deciding on medicine, so my hearing is very important to me.
Does anyone have thoughts on this? Thanks.
I was recently prescribed Cortisporin (neomycin, polymyxin b, hydrocortisone) for otitis externa. When I realized the Rx was an aminoglycoside I immediately asked the pharmacist about ototoxicity. She had no clue, thought I was crazy and just responded that it's used all the time for ear infections.
Is it correct that aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity from topical drops can only occur when there is a perforation of the tympanic membrane (and a really stupid question, how would I know if I had one since I can't look in my own ear?)? Or is ototoxicity a real possibility when used as prescribed?
The prescribing info clearly documents ototoxicity. I've decided, overcautiously or not, to stop the cortisporin. Am I just being paranoid?
How about floroquinolones? I thought they were supposed to be non-ototoxic and that Floxin Otic (ofloxacin) can even be used with a perforated TM, yet I've come across claims they too can be ototoxic.
I was supposed to be a rock star before deciding on medicine, so my hearing is very important to me.
Does anyone have thoughts on this? Thanks.