The use of oral antibiotics where they are not necessary can promote antibiotic resistance and increase the risk of opportunistic infections. Topical antibiotics achieve higher concentrations in the ear canal, demonstrate improved patient satisfaction, are associated with fewer adverse events, and are shown to have equal efficacy for treatment of acute tympanostomy tube otorrhea (TTO) and acute otitis externa (AOE) when compared to oral antibiotics. For these reasons, topical antibiotics rather than oral antibiotics should be prescribed as first line treatment for acute uncomplicated TTO and uncomplicated AOE. For more information:
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