Topical quinolones versus topical aminoglycosides in the medical management of chronic suppurative otitis media; A comparative trial

ABSTRACT

The objective of this clinical trial was to asses the efficacy of topical quinolones and compare it with the most commonly used aminoglycoside [gentamicin hydrocortisone] ear drops. Patients and methods: One hundred and twenty patients were recruited in this comparative clinical trial and divided into two groups aminoglycoside group of 60 patients were treated with gentamycin hydrocortisone ear drops and quinolone group of 60 patients were prescribed norfloxacin topical solution with a dose of 6 drops in the affected ear twice daily for two weeks. In the aminoglycoside group 30 patients had complete cessation of the discharge, in 12 discharge decreased in amount and mucoid in nature and 18 had no change in the amount and nature of discharge. In the quinolone group in 43 patients discharge stopped completely, in 12 discharge reduced and became mucoid whereas in 5 no change in the amount and nature of the discharge occurred. We recommend that in the medical management of chronic suppurative otitis media, the topical quinolones should be considered first line of treatment as there are no ototoxic effects of quinolones, which can be used safely in the presence of tympanic membrane perforation