My daughter who is 22 yrs. old. Is in great pain. The doctor has prescribed Amoxicillin and Cortiporin ear drops. However, until the medication kicks in. The pain has her in tears. We would appreciate any suggestions.
How to relieve ear infection pain while waiting for amoxicillin to kick in?
Question posted by colorfulpapa898 on 19 Dec 2011
Last updated on 28 February 2017 by Doodlebird81
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3 Answers
Doodlebird81
28 Feb 2017
I just wanted to say thank goodness for this thread because right now I'm waiting for the antibiotics to kick in and the pain I've just felt in my ear whilst putting my baby in his cot made me help out and cry tears! I think the pressure of leaning down did not help the matter. I'm just trying to get in a comfortable position in bed then im going to take the amount of ibuprofen suggested for my pain and I hope I get some sleep tonight. Xxx
DzooBaby
19 Dec 2011
Laying the affected ear on a heating pad, or even better, one of those moist heat packs that go in the microwave can help ear pain a bit. I've used this method myself when I had an ear infection and when my kids have had them. Taking a decongestant llike Sudafed and an OTC pain reliever helps too. Poor girl, earaches are miserable. If these measures dont help then you might need to call the Dr for a few days of an opioid pain reliever like Tylenol#3 or Vicodin.
StacyK78
30 Aug 2016
I see that this is an older question, but just for future reference should anyone else come across it looking for an answer to the same type question, I wanted to comment on this. First of all let me say I am not a doctor or a nurse, but I do have some medical training as a CNA. But the majority of my knowledge on this particular matter comes from personal experience, as unfortunately I've struggled with ear infections and issues for going on 30 years now. The suggestion that this person made about using a heating pad or warm moist heat for pain relief, although it may actually provide some temporary relief, is not the best idea. The reason this isn't a good idea is that anytime someone has an ear infection, there is usually inflammation and swelling to some extent, and heat is just going to make that worse in the long run.
Anytime there is inflammation or swelling involved with anything, it is always best to choose cold therapy over heat, as this can actually help to reduce the inflammation. So I actually use a cold pack out of my freezer and just place it against the side of my face and ear and this tends to help. Their suggestion of the ibuprofen was a very good suggestion, as this is an anti-inflammatory and will also help to reduce inflammation. I usually take 800 mg, but the 600 or even 400 is sufficient for some people depending on age, tolerance, and the severity of your pain at the time. And you don't necessarily need the prescription ibuprofen... I've been told by many different doctors that it's the same thing if you take enough of the OTC ibuprofen to equal the same dosage. Hope this helps anyone who needs it! Trust me... I know better than anyone just how miserable these ear infections can be!!
meyati
19 Dec 2011
Try Ibuprofin-about 600-800 mg. I've been prescribed pills that were that size and took them 2/day. Once I had 5 boils in my ears at the same time. I covered my head with a pillow and screamed and screamed. Your poor daughter has my sympathy. if she starts having lots of trouble, talk to the doctor about a thyroid screen-that can cause her problem-that's what caused mine.
good luck and bless you
Related topics
infections, otitis media, pain, amoxicillin, doctor, medication
Further information
- Amoxicillin uses and safety info
- Amoxicillin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Amoxicillin (detailed)
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