Rob (Kentucky) on 07/21/2021:

Can You Put Eye Drops in Your Ear For Ear Infection? For the most part, YES, but not vice-versa.

A friend of mine from Mexico “Javier” says, Yes! His father was the local herbal doctor in his village during his childhood. He learned from him. He says this method can be used in the eyes, ears and nose also.

For some patients, ear drops may burn when placed in the ear. Given eye drops uses a much "gentler" solution, such people find that eye drops don't burn in the ear nearly as much compared to ear drops.

Also, it may be cheaper for people if the EYE drop medication is prescribed rather than the EAR drop medication. Often, it is not unusual for a brand name ear drop medication to be available in generic eye drop form.

Prescription ear drops cost: Price variation in the most commonly prescribed ear drops in Southern California as of 2017. Data were collected from 108 pharmacies. The mean prices are noted for each of the individual drugs:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28120334/

Cortisporin (brand) 10 mL, $82.70;

Neomycin, polymyxin B sulfates, and hydrocortisone (Cortisporin-generic) 10 mL, $34.70;

Ofloxacin (generic) 10 mL, $99.95;

Sulfacetamide (generic) 15 mL, $40.18;

Ciprodex (brand) 7.5 mL, $194.44

Cipro HC (brand) 10 mL, $233.32

Vosol (brand) 15 mL, $120.75

Acetic acid (Vosol-generic) 10 mL, $116.55

VosolHC (brand) 10 mL, $204.14

Acetic acid/aluminum acetate (Domeboro-generic) 60 mL, $22.99

Tobradex (brand) 5 mL, $166.47

Oh, and don’t forget the ENT Doctor visit. ENT New Patient Office Visit ranges from $136 to $409.

NOW... EAR drop medications should NOT be used in the EYE because preservatives used in eye drop preparations are much gentler than those used in ear drops due to the eyeball being much more sensitive compared to the ear. As such, it may burn if ear drops are used in the eye... but not vice-versa.

For any EAR drop preparation, there is an equivalent EYE drop preparation which can be used safely in the ear.

• Floxin (Ear) equivalent to Ocuflox (Eye)
• Ciprodex (Ear) equivalent to Ciloxan (Eye) without the steroid dexamethasone
• Cipro HC (Ear) equivalent to Ciloxan (Eye) without the steroid hydrocortisone
• Cortisporin (neomycin-polymyxin-hydrocortisone) is available in both eye and ear preparations. Maxitrol (eye) contains decadron instead of hydrocortisone.

• Tobradex (Eye) can be used in the ear and is imprecisely similar to Cortisporin (Eye/Ear).
• Dexamethasone 0.1%, Fluocinonide 0.05%, as well as Prednisolone 1% (Eye) can all be used in the ear and is imprecisely similar to Dermotic
• Vasocidin (Eye) which contains sulfacetamide and prednisolone has no ear equivalent

Javier says to use Zaditor Eye drops as Ear drops. Cost $13.00 for 5ml at Wal-mart.

Zaditor Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants. Since the middle and inner ear are filled with fluid (mucus) that is a breeding ground causing the infection. An antihistamine decongestant would be the perfect medicine for that condition.

Zaditor (for use in the eyes) is used to treat itching of the eyes caused by allergy to dust, pollen, animals, or other allergens. Zaditor may also be used for purposes not listed in it’s medication guide. Meaning “as ear drops” if nothing else is available.

(Zaditor) Contains active ingredient Ketotifen is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Example: If your nose was affected -- say by pollen -- histamines causes thin walled membranes, to make more mucus. You can get a runny or stuffy nose. And you'll sneeze. The mucus can also bother your throat and make you cough. A histamine intolerance looks like a lot like seasonal allergies — if you eat histamine-rich food or drinks, you may experience hives, itchy or flushed skin, red eyes, facial swelling, runny nose and congestion, headaches, or asthma attacks. The release of histamines can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nasal cavities and ears. This inflammation can result in a blockage in the ears that prevents fluid or mucus from draining away, setting the stage for infection and leading to ear pain from the pressure building up inside the ears. This is known as fluid behind the eardrum, ear congestion, blocked eustachian tube, which will lead to “fullness feeling” in the ear, ear infection, earaches, see where I’m going with this…?

(Zaditor) Inactive Ingredients:

Benzalkonium chloride - is a quaternary ammonium antiseptic and disinfectant with actions and uses similar to those of other cationic surfactants. It is also used as an antimicrobial preservative for pharmaceutical products.

Glycero - is a naturally occurring chemical. This medication is used to relieve pain, congestion, and swelling caused by middle ear inflammation (acute otitis media). This medication is also used to help remove earwax.

Hydrochloric acid - medication is used to treat outer ear infections (e.g., swimmer's ear).

Water -

Sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda or lye) – used here is a disinfectant.

How many Zaditor eye drops to use in the ears:

Child over 3 years old = 1 drop in ear canal. Pump the Tragal Cartilage. Plug ear with cotton ball. Repeat 3x/daily til issue resolved.

Adult = 2-3 drops in ear canal. Pump the Tragal Cartilage. Plug ear with cotton ball. Repeat 3x/daily til issue resolved.

Video – How to Pump the Tragal Cartilage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm66HB8Be-Y

Does it hurt when you put Zaditor eye drops in your ear? NO! I have done this myself. Feels like putting water drops in the ear.