Treating Ear Infections?

I went to the doctor today and learned I have an ear infection (it's mild right now). He wanted to give me Cipro drops, which I've used before (I'm prone to ear infections unfortunately). But I mentioned I could be pregnant. He suggested I take a pregnancy test before using the drops. If I am pregnant, he wants me to call him again, but there aren't many treatments that don't pose some risk.

The only problem is that it's too early to take the test--according to the instructions, I need to wait another week. I'll call again on Monday, but does anyone have experience with this?

Re: Treating Ear Infections?

I am prone to them too. I try to be careful while in the 2 WW. But since my infections are so bad I take the ear drops. I do not know if it is the right thing or not, but I do not want my ear to get so swollen I end up with it closing up, one time this happened... This is JMHO, you have to do what you are comfortable with...Feel better.

Message edited 12/1/2006 8:04:40 PM.

Re: Treating Ear Infections?

are you allergic to penicillins, or does it not work for you? if not, you can typically use amoxicillin to treat an ear infection. penicillins are older and have been used more frequently in pregnancy. having said that, here are blurbs about both meds from a clinical pharmacology website. sounds like you would be ok with either. hope you feel better

Amoxicillin is classified in FDA pregnancy category B. Animal data reveal no teratogenic effects, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. While amoxicillin should be used with caution in pregnancy, penicillins are usually considered safe during pregnancy when clearly needed.

Ciprofloxacin is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category C. Ciprofloxacin crosses the placenta. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. An expert review of published data[3660] examined the effect of ciprofloxacin in women exposed to the drug during the first trimester. This review reported that usual doses of ciprofloxacin during pregnancy are not likely to cause teratogenic effects, however the reviewed data were insufficient to conclude that there was no risk. Exposure to fluoroquinolones during embryogenesis was not associated with increased risk of major malformations.

Re: Treating Ear Infections?

Thanks for the replies! I found some information on Ciproflaxin after posting too, and it pretty much said what you just posted. It might be okay in drops, and it might not--it's hard to tell.

Tomorrow I'll call my OB-GYN and ask for her opinion. My ear is kind of blocked--it's been worse, but it's not good. At the very least, she may be able to do a pregnancy test now or sooner than I can with greater accuracy. If I'm not pregnant, I'll start with the drops.

My infections tend to be bad--I'm not allergic to penicillin, but those drugs don't work very well for me.