Drug Class: Topical Antibiotic & Local Anaesthetic Combination | Form: Ear Drops (Otic Solution) | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Lidosporin Ear Drops 5ml?
Lidosporin Ear Drops 5ml is a combination ear drop medicine used to treat bacterial infections of the outer ear canal — a condition commonly known as otitis externa (کان کی نالی کا انفیکشن) or swimmer's ear. It contains a local anaesthetic to quickly relieve ear pain, stinging, and burning, combined with two antibiotics that work together to kill the bacteria causing the infection. The drops are applied directly into the ear canal, delivering medicine exactly where it is needed. Lidosporin Ear Drops provide both rapid pain relief and effective infection treatment in a single preparation. They must only be used as prescribed by your doctor and must never be used if the eardrum is perforated or damaged.
What is Lidosporin Ear Drops Used For?
Lidosporin Ear Drops 5ml is approved for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Otitis Externa (Outer Ear Canal Infection) — bacterial infection of the skin lining the ear canal causing pain, swelling, discharge, and itching (کان کی بیرونی نالی کا بیکٹیریل انفیکشن)
- Swimmer's Ear — infection of the outer ear canal commonly caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming, bathing, or humid conditions
- Infected Eczema of the Ear Canal — bacterial infection occurring on top of eczema or inflamed skin inside the ear canal
- Symptomatic Relief of Ear Pain — rapid relief from pain (کان کا درد), stinging, burning, and discomfort caused by outer ear infection
- Post-Traumatic Ear Canal Infection — bacterial infection following minor trauma or scratching of the ear canal skin
How Does Lidosporin Ear Drops Work?
Lidosporin Ear Drops combine three active ingredients that work together through different but complementary mechanisms:
Lidocaine (Local Anaesthetic): Lidocaine provides rapid relief from ear pain, stinging, and burning. It works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals in the ear canal that carry pain messages to the brain. Within minutes of application, the painful sensation in the ear canal is significantly reduced — providing immediate comfort to the patient while the antibiotics get to work treating the underlying infection.
Polymyxin B (Antibiotic): Polymyxin B is an antibiotic that works by attacking the outer membrane of certain bacteria — particularly Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is one of the most common causes of outer ear infections. It disrupts the bacterial cell membrane, causing the bacteria to leak and die. Polymyxin B acts locally within the ear canal without being significantly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Neomycin (Antibiotic): Neomycin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic that kills bacteria by stopping them from producing the proteins they need to survive and multiply. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria commonly found in ear canal infections. Together, Polymyxin B and Neomycin cover a broader range of bacteria than either antibiotic alone — reducing the chance of treatment failure.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ For use in the ear only — never swallow ear drops or use in the eyes. Never use these drops if the eardrum is perforated or if you suspect a middle ear infection. Always follow your doctor's instructions on dose and duration.
| Patient Group | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and children over 12 years | 3 drops into the affected ear | 3 to 4 times daily |
| Children under 12 years | 1 to 2 drops into the affected ear | 3 to 4 times daily |
How to Apply Lidosporin Ear Drops Correctly:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before use
- Warm the bottle slightly by holding it in your hands for 1 to 2 minutes — cold drops can cause dizziness
- Tilt your head to one side so the affected ear is facing upward
- Gently pull the outer ear upward and backward (for adults) or downward and backward (for children) to straighten the ear canal
- Hold the dropper just above the ear opening — do not insert the dropper tip into the ear
- Apply the correct number of drops
- Gently press the small flap of skin (tragus) over the ear opening a few times to help the drops move into the ear canal
- Stay with your head tilted for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the drops to reach deep into the canal
- Repeat for the other ear if both ears are affected
- Replace the cap tightly after use
- Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve before the course is finished
- Treatment is usually continued for 7 days — do not extend beyond 10 days without doctor's advice
- Do not use cotton wool or ear plugs immediately after applying unless your doctor specifically advises it
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Lidocaine Hydrochloride | Local anaesthetic — provides rapid pain and stinging relief |
| Polymyxin B Sulphate | Antibiotic — kills Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas |
| Neomycin Sulphate | Broad-spectrum antibiotic — kills a wide range of bacteria |
Please check the product label or ask your pharmacist for the exact strength of each ingredient per ml.
Who Should NOT Use Lidosporin Ear Drops?
Do not use these drops if you or your child:
- Have a perforated eardrum (پھٹا ہوا پردہ کان) — this is the most critical contraindication. Using these drops with a perforated eardrum can allow the antibiotic Neomycin to reach the middle ear and cause permanent hearing loss
- Have a suspected middle ear infection (otitis media — درمیانی کان کا انفیکشن) — middle ear infections require different treatment and must be assessed by a doctor
- Are allergic to Lidocaine, Polymyxin B, Neomycin, or any other aminoglycoside antibiotic (e.g., Gentamicin, Tobramycin)
- Have a known allergy to any other local anaesthetic medicine
- Have had ear surgery — particularly if it involved the eardrum or middle ear
- Have grommets (ear tubes) fitted — consult your doctor before use
- Are under 1 year of age — consult a specialist before use in very young infants
Tell your doctor before use if:
- You are unsure whether your eardrum is intact — your doctor must examine the ear first
- There is any discharge from the ear that could indicate a ruptured eardrum
- Symptoms do not improve within 3 to 4 days of starting treatment
- You have previously had a reaction to any ear drops or antibiotic medicines
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding — your doctor will assess safety before prescribing
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Lidosporin Ear Drops can cause side effects. Because these drops are applied locally in the ear, side effects are generally mild and limited to the ear area.
Common Side Effects (relatively frequent):
- Mild temporary stinging or burning sensation immediately after applying the drops — this usually settles within a few minutes
- Mild itching inside the ear canal — often temporary
- Feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear — usually resolves as the infection clears
- Temporary dizziness immediately after application — particularly if drops are cold when applied
Serious Side Effects (less common — seek medical help immediately):
- Skin sensitisation and allergic contact dermatitis — Neomycin is a known cause of skin allergy. Signs include worsening redness, intense itching, swelling, or a new rash around or inside the ear — stop the drops and consult your doctor immediately as continued use will worsen the reaction
- Severe allergic reaction — sudden widespread rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing — seek emergency help immediately
- Worsening of symptoms — if pain, discharge, or swelling increases after starting the drops rather than improving, stop and see your doctor — the infection may be caused by an organism not covered by these antibiotics or may require a different treatment
- Hearing changes — any new or worsening hearing loss must be reported to your doctor immediately — do not continue drops if hearing changes occur
If you notice any serious side effects, stop using the drops and go to the nearest hospital or doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Lidosporin Ear Drops are applied directly into the ear canal and minimal medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream. Significant systemic drug interactions are therefore unlikely. However:
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Other ear drops | Do not use other ear drops at the same time unless specifically advised by your doctor — wait at least 30 minutes between different ear preparations |
| Aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., Gentamicin injection) | If the patient is also receiving systemic aminoglycoside antibiotics, inform your doctor — cumulative aminoglycoside exposure must be monitored |
| Known allergy to aminoglycosides | If the patient has a systemic allergy to any aminoglycoside antibiotic, do not use Neomycin-containing ear drops |
| Anaesthetic medicines | Inform your doctor or anaesthetist about Lidocaine-containing ear drops before any procedure involving local or general anaesthesia |
Always inform your doctor about all medicines, ear preparations, or supplements you are currently using.
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
- Do not refrigerate or freeze the ear drops
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle or box
- Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use
- Discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening — do not use beyond this period even if liquid remains
- Do not use if the solution appears cloudy or discoloured
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Lidosporin Ear Drops used for?
Lidosporin Ear Drops are used to treat bacterial infections of the outer ear canal — also known as otitis externa or swimmer's ear. They relieve ear pain, stinging, and burning through a local anaesthetic while two antibiotics — Polymyxin B and Neomycin — work together to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
Why must I not use Lidosporin Ear Drops if my eardrum is perforated?
The eardrum acts as a protective barrier between the outer ear canal and the middle and inner ear. If the eardrum has a hole or tear in it, ear drops applied to the outer canal can pass through into the middle ear. Neomycin reaching the middle or inner ear can cause permanent damage to the delicate hearing and balance structures — resulting in irreversible hearing loss. This is why your doctor must examine your ear and confirm the eardrum is intact before prescribing these drops. If you are unsure, always ask your doctor to check first.
How quickly will Lidosporin Ear Drops relieve my ear pain?
The Lidocaine anaesthetic component of Lidosporin works quickly — most patients notice a significant reduction in ear pain, stinging, and burning within a few minutes of applying the drops. The antibiotic effect takes longer — improvement in infection symptoms such as discharge, swelling, and redness is usually noticeable within 2 to 3 days of regular use.
Can I use Lidosporin Ear Drops for my child?
Yes — Lidosporin Ear Drops can be used in children but at a lower dose of 1 to 2 drops per application rather than the adult dose of 3 drops. For very young children or infants under 1 year of age, always consult a doctor before use. Always have a doctor examine the child's ear first to confirm the eardrum is intact before applying any ear drops.
How long should I use Lidosporin Ear Drops?
The usual treatment course is 7 days. Do not stop early just because symptoms improve — completing the full course ensures the infection is fully cleared and reduces the risk of it returning. Do not extend use beyond 10 days without consulting your doctor. Prolonged use of antibiotic ear drops increases the risk of skin sensitisation to Neomycin and may allow resistant bacteria or fungal infections to develop.
What should I do if my ear symptoms get worse after starting the drops?
If your pain, swelling, discharge, or hearing worsens after starting Lidosporin Ear Drops, stop the drops and see your doctor as soon as possible. Worsening symptoms may indicate that the infection is caused by an organism not sensitive to these antibiotics, that you have developed an allergic reaction to Neomycin, or that the infection has spread beyond the outer ear canal and requires different treatment.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This product description is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. This product is a prescription medicine — it must only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | For external use in the ear only | Do not use if eardrum is perforated