Is there anything that can be purchased without a prescription to treat an adult's ear infection?

Question

I have an ear infection, but it is too late to get to the doctor today. I have had it all weekend. A little liquid comes out at night when I sleep, there is not much pain, and no feeling of pressure, but there has been the same level of hearing loss for the last few days (it's like I have a cotton ball in my ear).

I don't have a sore throat, cough, or any other symptoms/conditions. Just the ear thing.

Is there something like drops that I can use to treat this? Something I can get without a prescription?

This is the first ear infection I have had in many years.

Polysporin ear drops are not available without a prescription at any of the stores I went to today. (I'm in east Texas).

Answer 1

There are over the counter ear drops for ear infection. I think they're Polysporin...I've never tried them, so I'm not sure if they actually work, but its worth a shot until you can get to the doctor. Untreated ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss, so please do see your doctor as soon as possible, and good luck :)

Answer 2

Honestly, I'm not sure it will work for a full-blown ear infection, but you might try putting some hydrogen peroxide in your ear using a dropper. Tilt your head to one side, and drop the hydrogen peroxide in. You'll hear it bubbling for a few minutes, and once it's stopped bubbling, drain your ear, and apply again. This should help a little until you can see your doctor.

Answer 3

For the kind with pain & preassure (middle ear infection) Ibuprofen and psuedophedrine can help, especially if you start it early. Together they reduce the inflamation of the eustatian tubes, and let the infection drain without bursting your eardrum.

If you already have hearing loss from it, you should really see a doctor. It may be your eardrum has ruptured.