Am Fam Physician. 2001;64(6):927-928
Table 2 of the article “Topical Fluoroquinolones for Eye and Ear” (October 15, 2000, page 1872) contained an error regarding the recommended use of the topical medication ciprofloxacin-hydrocortisone (Cipro HC). The table incorrectly states that Cipro HC, a nonsterile solution, is recommended for use in patients with acute otitis externa and acute otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation. According to the 55th edition of the Physicians’ Desk Reference, the use of Cipro HC is actually contraindicated in patients with a perforated tympanic membrane. However, the table correctly indicates that Floxin, a 0.3 percent sterile solution of ofloxacin, is indicated for use in patients with acute otitis externa, chronic suppurative otitis media with perforations and acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubes. The corrected table is reprinted above.
| Condition | Drug | Dosage* | Duration | Cost† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute otitis externa | Ciprofloxacin-hydrocortisone (Cipro HC) | Adult: 3 drops, twice daily | 7 to 10 days | $59.00‡/10 mL |
| Child: 3 drops, twice daily | ||||
| Ofloxacin(Floxin) | Adult: 10 drops, twice daily | 7 to 10 days | 34.00‡/5 mL | |
| Child: 5 drops, twice daily | ||||
| Polymyxin B– neomycin– hydrocortisone§ (Cortisporin) | Adult: 5 drops, three to four times daily | 7 to 10 days | Brand: 42.00 (solution or suspension)/10 mL | |
| Child: 4 drops, three to four times daily | Generic: 10.00 to 28.00/10 mL | |||
| Acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubes | Ofloxacin | Adult: 5 drops, twice daily | 10 to 14 days | Same as above |
| Child: 5 drops, twice daily | ||||
| Polymyxin B– neomycin– hydrocortisone§ | Adult: 5 drops, three to four times daily | 10 to 14 days | Same as above | |
| Child: 4 drops, three to four times daily | ||||
| Chronic suppurative otitis media | Ofloxacin | Adult: 10 drops, twice daily | 14 to 21 days | Same as above |
| Child: 5 drops, twice daily | ||||
| Polymyxin B– neomycin– hydrocortisone§ | Not recommended | Same as above |