title: Historical perspective on the use of otic antimicrobial agents.
abstract: Treatment of otorrhea has been described in the literature since 1500 BC. A multitude of therapeutic options have been described, including the use of astringents, antiseptics, alcohol, benzoin and various powders. Since the middle of the 20th century, antibiotic usage has been promoted as the most effective means of therapy. Until recently none of the agents that were used was found to be safe for middle ear use. Since 1990 there have been publications describing the safety and efficacy of fluoroquinolone drops for acute and chronic otorrhea. This article details the transition from treatment of otorrhea with nonspecific means to an era of antimicrobial therapy based on sound scientific evidence.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Otolaryngology Department, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA. myerc0@chmcc.org
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Myer
mesh_terms: D000438:Alcohols / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D010035:Otitis Media, Suppurative / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000266:history*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D032362:Styrax; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000438:Alcohols; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; C457659:Benzoin Gum; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D010936:Plant Extracts