CHAPTER 22 Disorders of the Eye and Ear^407
bright lights. Patients with vestibular disorders often report fatigue and loss of
stamina and an inability to concentrate. Difficulty with reading and speech
may occur during times of fatigue. When these symptoms are constant and
disabling, they may be accompanied by irritability, loss of self-esteem, and/or
depression. Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis, and inner ear infections should cause
vestibular disorders.
EAR PAIN
Ear pain usually resolves itself between 48 and 72 hours from the onset of the
pain. However, analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be admin-
istered to relieve the pain in the interim.
EAR CONGESTION
Ear congestion can be caused by the improper drainage of the eustachian tube.
This can be relieved by administering antihistamine-decongestant medications
such as Actifed, Allerest, Dimetapp, Drixoral, Novafed, Ornade, and Triaminic,
all of which are available over the counter.
External Ear Internal Ear
Acetic acid and aluminum acetate
(Otic Deomboro)
Boric acid (Ear-Dry),
Carbamide peroxide (Debrox)
Chloramphenical
(Chloromycetin Otic)
Polymyxin B
Tetracycline (Achromycin)
Trolamine polypeptide
oleate-condensate (Cerumenex)Table 22-2. Common medications used to treat ear infections.
Amoxicillin (amoxil, Augmentin)
Ampicillin trihydrate (Polycillin)
Cefaclor (Ceclor)
Erythromycin (E-Mycin)
Penicillin (Pentids, Pen-V)
Sulfonamides (Azulfidine, Bactrim)
Clarithromycin (biaxin)
Amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate (Augmentin)
Loracarbef (Lorabid)