What is the treatment of choice for otitis externa?

The treatment of choice for otitis externa, often referred to as swimmer's ear, is ciprofloxacin. This condition is primarily caused by bacterial infections, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being one of the most common culprits. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is particularly effective against gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas.

In cases of otitis externa, topical treatment is usually preferred, as it allows for direct delivery of the medication to the affected area, leading to higher local concentrations and minimizing systemic side effects. Ciprofloxacin, often in the form of eardrops, effectively eliminates the infection and helps to reduce inflammation as well.

Other options may not be as effective for this specific condition. For instance, amoxicillin is primarily used for middle ear infections and does not have the same efficacy against the organisms typically causing otitis externa. Hydrocortisone may be useful as an adjunctive treatment to reduce inflammation and itching but does not treat the underlying infection. Clindamycin is effective against some bacteria but is not first-line for otitis externa when considering the most prevalent organisms involved.

Using ciprofloxacin ensures both the antibacterial efficacy against the common pathogens associated with otitis externa and supports quicker recovery