Efficacy of ofloxacin and other otic preparations for acute otitis media in patients with tympanostomy tubes

Otorrhea occurs in 21 to 50% of all children with tympanostomy tubes in the United States. More than 1 million children annually undergo tubomyringoto my, constituting placement of more than 2 million tympanostomy tubes each y ear, The organisms typically responsible for otorrhea are the same as those that cause otitis media in very young children, including Streptococcus pn eumonia, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrrhalis. Drainage from t ympanostomy tubes in older children involves organisms that colonize the ex ternal auditory canal, the most common being Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Sta phylococcus aureus, Ofloxacin (Floxin otic), a newer fluoroquinalone antibi otic, has several advantages over other agents available for the treatment of otorrhea caused by acute otitis media in patients with tympanostomy tube s. The twice daily dosing regimen encourages better patient adherence to th erapy, which is likely to improve treatment efficacy. Ofloxacin has not bee n associated with ototoxicity in animal models or in children participating in the clinical trials. It provides coverages for a wide range of pathogen s, including Pseudomonas sp,, and is indicated for use in children greater than or equal to1 gear old and currently approved for patients greater than or equal to 12 years with chronic suppurative otitis media. Ofloxacin appl ied topically in children with tympanostomy tubes in place and purulent oto rrhea is as efficacious as oral amoxcillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) therapy. Other currently available.