Question 1

should i switch to a different antibiotic for an ear infection if this one isn't working?

Accepted Answer

Ear infection: It is not a good idea to treat infections without a diagnosis--and a doctor--managing it. Many folks find some "old" antibiotics laying around and take them for what they feel is their diagnosis. Then for whatever reason if they don't get better, they try to switch, again without a good exam and a diagnosis. Lots of things cause ear pain, and antibiotics aren't the answer for all.

Question 2

on ear infection, how long it will take for antibiotic to start working and see an improvement on the infection?

Accepted Answer

48-72hrs: if longer with no improvement at all, may require dose and/or frequency adjustment along with change in medication potentially

Question 3

i am taking levofloxacin 500mg tablets for 10 days for a ear infection and i am on day 2. when should i start to feel the antibiotic working?

Accepted Answer

7-10 days: however, Levaquin is not the drug of choice for an ear infection.

Question 4

i have an ear infection i cant gear a thing. i have been to my gp 5 times in thr ladt 3weeks. if been on antibiotic nothing is working?

Accepted Answer

Be patient/recheck: To have a middle ear infection you must accumulate mucus behind the ear drum that feeds the germs involved. Mucus reduces hearing sensitivity by 40-50%. It is trapped there because the Eustachian tube to the throat has not been functioning well to drain it. You can kill off the germs in a week, but the fluid may take a month or more to drain. If the fluid is no longer "hot" on exam, needs time

Question 5

taking an antibiotic for a suspected sinus infection. now my ear hurts. does this mean the antibiotic is not working? do i have an ear infection??

Accepted Answer

May be  wrong antibi: May be  wrong  diagnosis, wrong antibiotic. You  need evaluation

Question 6

how long does it take an ear infection to get better after taking a five day antibiotic?

Accepted Answer

Should be better: Your symptoms should be much better by day 3 and completely resolved by day 10.

Question 7

i have a chronic ear infection responding to no antibiotic yet. what's going to happen? i'm nervous.

Accepted Answer

See an ENT doctor: Have you been diagnosed with a middle ear infection (otitis media) or an external infection (otitis externa)? Google these terms to understand the differences. Or do you have water in your ear (serous otitis media)? Ask  your doctor for a referral to an ENT doctor, or get a second opinion.

Question 8

if i am already on a antibiotic for a cold is there any chance that i could develop a ear infection bc my head is already hurting?

Accepted Answer

Common cold: Is due to viral infection, so antibiotics won't be of value unless a secondary bacterial infection sets in, so you are allowed to have viral infection of your middle ears or your sinuses despite being on antibiotics, if it is really bothersome see your doctor, meanwhile, saline nasal wash and salt water gargles would help

Question 9

usually have 1 elderberry gummy a day, right now on an antibiotic for an ear infection, can i continue with the gummies or the elderberry syrup?

Accepted Answer

Either sounds ok: Very little, if any, research is done on most supplement products sold. That means nobody truly knows what's really in such products, and nobody truly knows the full actions, interactions, and side effects of such products. That said, there should be no noticeable effect of either the gummy or the syrup on a person's antibiotic use or her ear infection.

Question 10

how can i get an antibiotic

ear infection ?

Accepted Answer

Not here: This is the public US based HT general information site. We answer questions about medical issues when you submit a description of a problem. We do not offer to diagnose or treat .If you are signed up for a pay service like HealthTap Prime or Concierge they may be able to arrange a consult for you. See: www.connect@healthtap.com.

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Doctor answers about:

Antibiotics not working for ear infection

A member asked:

Should i switch to a different antibiotic for an ear infection if this one isn't working?

A member asked:

On ear infection, how long it will take for antibiotic to start working and see an improvement on the infection?

A member asked:

I am taking levofloxacin 500mg tablets for 10 days for a ear infection and i am on day 2. when should i start to feel the antibiotic working?

A member asked:

I have an ear infection i cant gear a thing. i have been to my gp 5 times in thr ladt 3weeks. if been on antibiotic nothing is working?

A member asked:

Taking an antibiotic for a suspected sinus infection. now my ear hurts. does this mean the antibiotic is not working? do i have an ear infection??

A member asked:

How long does it take an ear infection to get better after taking a five day antibiotic?

A member asked:

I have a chronic ear infection responding to no antibiotic yet. what's going to happen? i'm nervous.

A member asked:

If i am already on a antibiotic for a cold is there any chance that i could develop a ear infection bc my head is already hurting?

A member asked:

Usually have 1 elderberry gummy a day, right now on an antibiotic for an ear infection, can i continue with the gummies or the elderberry syrup?

A member asked:

How can i get an antibiotic ear infection ?

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