Otitis media is an ailment that is well known to any mother, since it is mainly babies who suffer from it. However, when ear inflammation occurs in a pregnant woman, the previously prescribed and understandable treatment technique ceases to work. Particular difficulties are associated with the choice of safe and effective medicines, since the expectant mother has to think not only about herself, but also about the child. One of the drugs allowed during pregnancy is Otipax ear drops - a quality product from a French manufacturer.
Composition and action of Otipax ear drops
Otipax is a two-component drug for topical use in ENT practice. The drug has a pronounced anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effect.
The therapeutic effect of ear drops is due to the "work" of two of its active substances:
- Lidocaine is an anesthetic that relieves pain at the site of application. It acts on the sheath of nerve fibers, blocking the conduction of pain signals.
- Phenazone has a double effect: it reduces the severity of inflammation (hyperemia, swelling) and reduces pain in the ear, as it inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins - pain mediators.
According to numerous patient reviews, painful sensations disappear within a few minutes after instillation. Due to the interaction of active substances with each other, the anesthetic effect persists for a long time, which eliminates the need to use the medication too often.
Is it possible to use the drug during pregnancy, including in the first trimester
Despite the free sale of Otipax (you do not need a doctor's prescription to buy it), before using it, the expectant mother needs to consult a doctor and carefully study the medical manual for this drug.
According to the official instructions, Otipax ear drops are allowed during all periods of gestation and during breastfeeding. True, there is one important condition - the integrity of the eardrum and the absence of other contraindications.
The active substances do not enter the bloodstream and cannot affect the development of the fetus. Therefore, doctors calmly prescribe the drug to pregnant women, even in the early stages, if necessary.
When and for what purpose
The main purpose of prescribing these drops during pregnancy is to relieve pain and inflammation in the following hearing diseases:
- the initial stage of otitis media;
- inflammatory processes in the middle ear that have arisen after influenza or acute respiratory viral infection;
- external ear abscess;
- barotraumatic otitis media (occurs when pressure on the eardrums during diving at depth or flying on aircraft).
Despite its good anesthetic effect, Otipax cannot completely cure ear inflammation caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Therefore, in such cases, the drug is prescribed in combination with antibiotics and antiviral medicines.
Features of otitis media in expectant mothers: when to see a doctor
Ear inflammation in pregnant women in the early stages practically does not give itself away. The expectant mother feels only slight fatigue and dizziness, but she writes off all these unpleasant signs on her position. And only after a while there are obvious symptoms of the disease, which it is already difficult to dismiss. These include:
- lethargy;
- painful sensations in the ear of varying intensity - from mild to throbbing pain;
- slight increase in temperature;
- pus (if there is a perforation of the tympanic membrane);
- headache;
- a feeling of stuffiness and tinnitus.
In expectant mothers, these signs may appear blurred, so many women hesitate to visit a doctor, which is fraught with serious consequences - including hearing loss.
At the first symptoms of malaise, you should consult a doctor who will conduct an examination and prescribe Otipax to relieve pain and inflammation.
Video: what you need to know about otitis media
Contraindications and side effects
As with any medicine, Otipax also has restrictions on its use. Ear drops are prohibited for use in the following situations:
- mechanical
- hypersensitivity to active and auxiliary substances of the drug.
Before prescribing this drug, the doctor needs to make sure that the patient's ear membrane is intact. If damaged, drug components can enter the middle ear system and cause serious complications. The risk of penetration of active substances into the systemic circulation and the impact on the baby is not excluded.
Adverse reactions to Otipax are rare and are mainly associated with intolerance to the anesthetic lidocaine... A pregnant woman may experience such undesirable consequences from the use of a medication, such as:
- allergic manifestations (itching, urticaria);
- redness and swelling of the skin inside and outside the ears;
- irritation of the ear canal.
An overdose of drops is impossible, and the interaction of Otipax with other drugs has not been identified. Therefore, the drug is considered a fairly safe remedy for otitis media, of course, subject to prior consultation with a doctor and proper use.
Instructions for safe use
The Otipax treatment regimen is established only by the attending physician after examining the pregnant patient. The dosage and duration of therapy depends on the severity of the inflammatory process and pain syndrome.
Algorithm for using ear drops:
- Before the first use, remove the cap from the bottle and install a dropper.
- Before instillation, the bottle with the medicine should be held in your hands for several minutes to raise the temperature of the liquid. This is necessary so that the cold solution (stored in the refrigerator) does not worsen the patient's condition.
- You should put your head on one ear, and in the second, inject a few drops of the medicine.
- Then it is necessary to remain in this position for 5-10 minutes in order to accelerate the penetration of fluid into the area of inflammation.
- After that, the head needs to be turned to the other side, repeat the previous step and wait a few minutes.
Usually drops are instilled 2-3 times a day at the dosage indicated by the doctor. The standard duration of treatment with Otipax is 7-10 days.
Unpleasant sensations in the ears disappear after a couple of days of using the product, but it is strongly not recommended to interrupt the treatment course so as not to complicate the course of the disease.
- change the Otipax treatment regimen without a doctor's prescription;
- use antibacterial agents of their own free will and without urgent need;
- use warming up for otitis media complicated by purulent discharge;
- go outside without hats to protect from wind and drafts.
Alternative to Otipax during pregnancy
Otipax cannot always be found on pharmacy counters (for example, when a product is recertified). In such situations, the doctor decides on the appointment of drugs with a similar composition and effect. The following medicines are analogous to these ear drops:
- Ototon;
- Lidocaine + Phenazone;
- Otyrelax;
- Folicup.
Despite the effectiveness of Otipax and its analogues, the active ingredients can cause hypersensitivity reactions. Therefore, doctors, knowing the characteristics of the female body and the course of the development of the disease, prescribe other ear drops, similar in mechanism of action, but differing in quality composition.
Table: drugs against otitis media that can be prescribed to expectant mothers
| Name | Dosage forms | Active ingredients | Indications | Contraindications | How to use during pregnancy |
| Otofa | Drops | Rifamycin sodium |
| Intolerance to the components of the drug | It is prescribed after weighing the possible benefits and risks to the fetus, since there is no exact clinical data on the harmlessness of the drug during gestation. |
| Polydexa | Drops |
| Predominantly external ear inflammation |
|
|
| Anauran | Drops |
|
| Hypersensitivity to active or auxiliary substances | During the period of gestation and breastfeeding, the drug is used under medical supervision. |
| Candibiotic | Drops |
|
|
| It is prescribed after weighing the possible risks to the child and the expected benefits to the mother. |
| Otyrelax | Drops |
|
|
| It is prescribed after taking into account all kinds of risks for the development of the child, it is used only under the supervision of a doctor. |
Disease during pregnancy
Physiological procedures
Expectant mothers are shown the following types of procedures:
- pneumomassage of the tympanic membrane. Allows you to improve the mobility of the membrane, if it is overgrown with scar tissue, as well as to improve the outflow of fluid from the ear;
- electrophoresis (exposure to electric current). This is a very popular physical therapy method for otitis media. The drug, which is applied to the electrodes (a solution of lidase or ronidase), under the action of a current penetrates into the subcutaneous layer, due to which their effectiveness is much increased, and the effect appears faster.
Disinfection of the ears
Do not forget about ear hygiene during otitis media. If the disease is at the stage of pus discharge, then you need to periodically clean the ear canal with a cotton swab or just a flagellum. For disinfection, use antiseptics such as Miramistin, Furacilin, or hydrogen peroxide. Wipe them over the entire outer ear. They even rinse with peroxide and bury the ears, only dilute it with boiled water beforehand.
Ear ointment during pregnancy
For the treatment of otitis media during pregnancy, in case of infection with bacteria or fungi, ointments may be prescribed to lubricate the auricle and ear canal. For example, Miconazole. It contains miconazole nitrate, which is fungicidal and antibacterial. Levomekol ointment contains the antibiotic chloram fenicol and methyluracil, due to which it inhibits the growth of bacteria and promotes wound healing. Levomekol is effective even for purulent discharge.
As a rule, otitis media is treated for 2-3 weeks.
Treatment of advanced ear inflammation
If the boil does not ripen for a long time, they can cut it. This is a simple operation that will help speed up the healing process. Further, you just need to treat it with antiseptics.
With prolonged otitis media (if pus does not come out after a week), paracentesis is performed. This is a mini eardrum lancing operation. After paracentesis, pus will begin to come out and the patient will feel better. They may prescribe washing, which will help to quickly clear the tympanic cavity from exudate and prevent chronic otitis media. Usually, after the cessation of suppuration, the eardrum heals itself, but if this does not happen, it is closed promptly.
In advanced cases, when the inflammation becomes chronic and scars and adhesions begin to form on the mucous membrane of the ear, it is necessary to carry out enhanced courses of washing and physiotherapy. If conservative treatment does not help, then they proceed to surgical cleansing of all damaged sections. In this case, segments of the middle or inner ear can be completely removed.
Treatment of otitis media in pregnant women at home using folk methods
Traditional medicine is a salvation for expectant mothers. Many recipes really help, because even medications are made on a plant basis. Of course, you need to do everything wisely and not try dubious methods on yourself.
How to treat ears during pregnancy at home? With external and otitis media of any form, onion juice will be useful. It is necessary to roll a flagellum from a cotton swab, soak it in juice and insert it into the ear canal for 10-15 minutes. You can also insert such flagella into the nose with a runny nose, because onions kill all kinds of infection. Camophoric oil and propolis tincture are used in a similar way.
Use plants from your windowsill as ear drops during pregnancy: aloe or Kalanchoe is suitable. You need to put a piece of the leaf in the refrigerator for an hour, then take out and squeeze the juice out of it. Bury it with a pipette 3 drops 4 times a day.
Note! Such remedies are not effective for labyrinths! He needs to be treated in a hospital.
Boric alcohol can be an alternative to anesthetic drops. This agent has anti-inflammatory and disinfecting properties. In general, it is contraindicated in pregnant women, but some sources indicate that you can use 2% diluted boric alcohol in the ear during pregnancy. You need to bury 2 drops in each ear 2 times a day, if there is no perforation in the eardrum! The course of treatment is no more than 5 days.
Another way is bay leaf decoction. You need to take a small pack of laurel, pour a glass of boiling water and put on fire for 10 minutes. Cool and moisten the turunda for the ear canal in this broth.
To feel safe, you can always ask your doctor for a referral to a hospital, where experienced specialists will supervise you.
Rinsing and warming up
Washing your ears daily can help clear infection from your ear and speed up the healing process. You can take a course of flushing with an otolaryngologist or do them yourself at home.
- It is necessary to prepare the medicine by slightly warming it to room temperature.
- Clean the ear canal from the accumulation of pus with a cotton swab.
- Tilt your head to the side, then take a syringe, bulb or pipette (always sterile) and, using this device, slowly pour a couple of milliliters of liquid into the ear canal.
- Wait 5 minutes and tilt your head sharply in the opposite direction.
Repeat 2-3 times a day.
In a similar way, nasal lavage is carried out for otitis media, both in pregnant women and in children. If you treat the ear and nose at the same time, the result will be doubly effective. What is used for flushing? Take hydrogen peroxide, Furacilin solution, or just boiled water.
Another good method for treating upper respiratory tract diseases is inhalation. You can read about them in another article.
Exposure to heat during inflammation helps to activate metabolic processes in the tissues of the ear, and speed up the recovery process. In addition, warming up has an analgesic effect. During otitis media, such procedures are recommended to be carried out at the onset of the disease or during the recovery period.
You can do warming up with otitis media with a boiled egg. It shouldn't be too hot. Additionally, wrap it in a handkerchief or thin towel and apply to the sore spot, having previously anointed the skin with a fat cream or oil. Hold the egg until it cools.
Also, heated bulk objects are used for warming up: salt, sand, flax seeds. They are heated in a frying pan to a temperature of 40-50ᵒ, poured into a bag and attached to the ear for a quarter of an hour.
Can antibiotics be used during pregnancy?
Antibiotics during pregnancy
If you are found, then you will not be cured without antibiotics. These are powerful medicines, so only they can cope with bacteria and prevent severe intoxication of the body. Of course, such drugs are not good for the health of the mother and child; they have many side effects. For these reasons, doctors always try to prescribe them only as a last resort.
To begin with, the safest antibiotics of the penicillin group are prescribed: Flemoxin. Clinical studies have shown that they do not harm the fetus. If they do not help (the results of treatment should be visible after 2-3 days), then cephalosporins are prescribed, for example, Cefazolin, Cefuroxime, Suprax. Also, in severe cases, Azithromycin, Furadonin can be prescribed.
It is worth noting that in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, it is better not to take antibacterial drugs at all, since during this period the main growth of the embryo occurs.
The following types of antibiotics are strictly prohibited: Dioxidin, Furazidin, Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, Clarithromycin, Ciprofloxacin and other fluorophinols. They are able to cross the placenta and influence the development of the fetus. If otitis media are treated with them in the early stages of pregnancy, the child may be born with some kind of abnormality.
Antibiotic ear drops can be used, but only after consulting a doctor who will weigh the possible risk. Drops act locally on the focus of the disease, they practically do not spread throughout the body.
Here are some names of drugs for otitis media:
- Normax. Contains antimicrobial agent norfloxacin;
- ... Contains gramecidin and framecithin sulfate. The ability to influence the fetus has not been investigated;
- ... The active ingredients are neomycin, polymyxi B and dexamethasone.
What can not be done with otitis media in pregnant women?
To begin with, you cannot stay idle and hope for miraculous healing, as well as self-medicate. The methods of therapy depend on the type of disease, as well as related factors. Only a doctor knows about them.
You also can't:
- just swallow antibiotics and antipyretics. Try to heal in more gentle ways;
- use untreated water to rinse the ears. There may be bacteria in it;
- purulent otitis media during pregnancy to treat by warming up! This will lead to the spread of inflammation to the surrounding organs;
- go outside after washing your ears (wait at least an hour).
With medicinal broths, which are advised to drink for otitis media, you need to be careful, since many of them are contraindicated for pregnant women. So, read the instructions carefully.
Complications of otitis media during pregnancy
Otitis media during pregnancy (effect on the fetus). The otitis media itself does not harm the development of the fetus, but if it is accompanied by a virus, it is already dangerous. Against the background of viral diseases, hypoxia (oxygen starvation) may develop, which is fraught with miscarriage.
For mommy, the consequences of ear inflammation can be hearing loss or partial hearing loss. Chronic otitis media especially often leads to such problems, so you should be attentive to your body and not dismiss "minor" symptoms.
The most dangerous consequences of otitis media in pregnant women are intracranial complications, such as meningitis, cerebral decay, blood poisoning, thrombosis. They can be fatal. Undertreatment, lack of treatment, improperly selected medications or very weak reactivity of the body become the culprit of such terrible diseases.
How to treat otitis media during pregnancy to prevent such consequences? To choose the correct treatment regimen, you must undergo an examination. You cannot do this on your own. Obey your doctor's recommendations and complete the course of therapy. At the end, you can check again to make sure that the inflammation is completely gone.
Otitis media and its prevention during pregnancy
- To prevent otitis media during pregnancy, you need to take a complex of vitamins for pregnant women. This will help strengthen the immune system and prevent the development of many diseases. In addition, good nutrition and rest are important.
- Try to avoid contact with sick people so as not to catch the virus.
- Dress warmly and protect your ears from drafts. This will save you colds.
- Remember that runny nose and pharyngitis are not trivial matters, especially during gestation. Neglected diseases have bad consequences.
- Do not swim in muddy waters.
Separately, it must be said about cleaning the ears. Use cotton swabs for this purpose, and not various objects that fall under the arm. You don't need to be too zealous and stick your wand deep. This will keep your eardrum intact.
Informative video
What drops in the ears during pregnancy will not harm the unborn baby and can they be used at all? I am glad that more and more expectant mothers do not use medicines thoughtlessly, but ask themselves and the doctors this question. Pregnancy is a special period in which a woman thinks and cares primarily not about herself, but about her unborn child. But even at this time, you can catch a cold and catch a runny nose, which often results in otitis media. It is imperative to be treated, but it is better to do it with proven folk remedies or drops that do not contain antibiotics.
Diagnosis - otitis media
The most difficult situation during pregnancy is otitis media. Usually, inflammation of the middle or inner ear develops under the influence of pathogenic microorganisms, which are very difficult to cope with without antimicrobial drugs. And the pain in otitis media is the most acute, comparable to a toothache. It is very exhausting and can lead to a rise in body temperature.
But just ear drops during pregnancy with an antibiotic cannot be used. In addition, with great care it is necessary to use popular vasoconstrictor drugs, which are also often prescribed in the treatment of otitis media. Most of the effective pain relievers cannot be used either. So what is left?
In principle, among the not too wide selection of drugs that can be dripped into the ear of a pregnant woman, only three drugs are the safest:
Often, severe ear pain is a signal of the onset of other, more serious diseases. Therefore, it is very important to immediately seek the advice of a doctor and not try to treat it yourself without finding out exactly the reason.
Sulfur plug
Sometimes a common earwax plug causes severe pain in the ear. When water enters the ear, it swells and begins to press on the eardrum. In this case, a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide or "Remo-Wax" - absolutely safe ear drops for pregnant women and small children will help to quickly solve the problem.
The structure of "Remo-Wax" includes:
- mink oil as a base;
- softening component lanolin;
- anti-inflammatory allantoin;
- exfoliating sorbic acid.
There are no antibiotics in these drops. They simply soften the sulfur plug, it stops pressing on the eardrum, and the sulfur gradually comes out through the ear canal.
Alternative remedies
If ear pain is caused by a runny nose or a cold, then you can try to cope with it at home with simple folk remedies:
If the pain persists within 1-2 days or begins to intensify, you need to go to the hospital. Purulent otitis media during pregnancy is very difficult to cure. In addition, it is dangerous for the unborn child, as it increases the intoxication of the mother's body.
Pregnant women suffering from inflammation of the ear canal are forced to look for a drug to eliminate unpleasant symptoms. Otipax ear drops are very popular for the treatment of otitis media. However, can they be used during the gestational period?
Otipax: instructions for use.
Otipax is used to combat various types of otitis media. It contains active ingredients and excipients. The effect of drug therapy is achieved due to the effect of phenazone, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and relieves local heat, and lidocaine, a local analgesic that relieves pain.
The components that make up otipax reinforce each other's action. Thanks to this, a positive result from the use of drops is observed quite quickly. As a result, the patient's well-being is significantly improved. By the way, the drug does not belong to antibiotics and is not addictive. It is completely non-toxic and can be used to relieve the symptoms of otitis media in infants.
The dosage of otipax is: 3-4 drops in each ear canal from 2 to 3 times a day. Before using the drug, it must be warmed in the palms of your hands or water so that the cold solution does not get into the auricles. The duration of therapy is no more than 10 days. During treatment, allergic reactions may occur, as well as irritation and hyperemia of the ear canal.
There are special instructions in the instructions for the drug. So, the manufacturer warns that before therapy, it is necessary to check the integrity of the tympanic membrane. If it is damaged, then drops cannot be treated. Otherwise, complications may arise caused by the penetration of the active substances of the drug into the middle ear system.
It is necessary to store otipax at a temperature of no more than 30 degrees Celsius for 5 years from the date of release. After opening the bottle, the drug can be used for 6 months.
Indications and contraindications for the use of otipax.
The indications for the use of Otipax are:
Thus, the main indication for the use of drops is otitis media. This condition is an inflammation of the outer, middle, or inner ear. With the external form, inflammation of the skin of the external auditory canal is observed, and with the middle - the area behind the tympanic membrane. In no case is it possible to engage in self-diagnosis, because unpleasant sensations can be caused by various reasons.
Otitis media is usually a complication of colds. Sometimes it is caused by an infection in the ear. If you find unpleasant symptoms, you should consult a doctor to find out their causes. When going to the hospital, it is advisable to put on a scarf or a hat on your head to protect your ears from hypothermia.
Otipax, like any other drug, has contraindications for use. So, it cannot be used with individual intolerance to the substances that make up its composition, as well as with perforation of the tympanic membrane. Drops can be used during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. However, it is important to consider here that the patient should not have damage to the tympanic membrane.
Can Otipax be used during pregnancy?
Otipax is an effective drug approved for use by expectant mothers who do not suffer from a violation of the integrity of the eardrum. It is recommended to use it as part of complex therapy for otitis media (together with antibacterial and antiviral drugs). The main purpose of the drops is to eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
The drug can be used during pregnancy if there are no contraindications. Its active components are not absorbed into the bloodstream, which means they do not penetrate the placental barrier. Thus, the use of this drug during the gestational period does not pose a danger to the baby.
Otipax is a fairly harmless drug if used correctly. There are no data on overdose of drops. Their interaction with other medicines has not been identified. For these reasons, Otipax is sold freely in pharmacies (you do not need a medical prescription to buy it).
An alternative to otipax during pregnancy.
Some medicines used during the gestational period can harm the fetus. For this reason, expectant mothers strive to find the safest drugs. Are there any worthy substitutes for Otipax that are approved for use when carrying a baby?
"Sofradex" - drops intended for the treatment of otitis media, as well as some eye diseases. This drug is more effective than otipax, however, it is not an analgesic, and it cannot be used during pregnancy. The fact is that Sophradex contains antibacterial and hormonal substances.
"Otinum" - drops, the active ingredient of which is an antibiotic. They are designed to eliminate an infectious agent, do an excellent job with inflammation and are a powerful analgesic, but they must be used with caution during pregnancy.
Thus, otipax is a safe drop for the treatment of various forms of otitis media that can be used during pregnancy in the absence of damage to the tympanic membrane and individual intolerance to the active ingredients. With proper treatment, unpleasant symptoms disappear after 6-7 days (in rare cases, within 14 days).
However, when treating otitis media, it is advisable to follow the recommendations of a specialist. A neglected disease can lead to complications. Otipax can only be used to relieve unpleasant symptoms. In order to eliminate the causes of pathology, it is recommended to use drugs that are prescribed by a doctor.
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