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Why is my otitis media not responding to the medicines?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have otitis media with yellow discharge from both ears. I used Ceftriaxone Sulbactam injection 1.5g. for 10 days of injection, but no difference was felt. I had this discharge five years ago and again last year, and was prescribed amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium. The doctor had a pus culture done, and a diagnosis of bacterial or fungal infection was given.

Please suggest any new antibiotics.

Answered by Dr. Chibitam Hope Obia

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Chibitam Hope Obia is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician with expertise in managing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. He has a strong interest in mental health and has pursued advanced training in the field. Dr. Obia is known for his patient-centered approach, clinical efficiency, and commitment to holistic care for individuals and families.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I am very sorry about your medical condition, and I am glad that you are paying attention to changes in your body system. But do not worry, I am here to take care of you.

Regarding your symptoms, I understand you are disturbed about your ear health, but let us take a look at your history. You were diagnosed with otitis media in both ears that has poorly responded to Ceftriaxone sulbactam.

I believe you may be taking the wrong medication for the right diagnosis. The reason why the Ceftriaxone sulbactam did not work is that it works for gram-negative and gram-positive aerobic bacteria, and not the anaerobic bacteria that are responsible for the ear infection.

For confirmation, please do an ear swab test and reply to me with the results. Meanwhile, to help out with the treatment, I will advise you to take the following:

  1. Clean both ears with spirit and Hydrogen peroxide.

  2. Apply topical one percent Chloramphenicol or Neomycin ear drops twice daily for 10 days.

Consult your specialist doctor and discuss with him or her before starting medications.

I hope this helps you.

Thanks for using icliniq, and have a nice day.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 2, 2025
Reviewed At November 2, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Chibitam Hope Obia is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician with expertise in managing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. He has a strong interest in mental health and has pursued advanced training in the field. Dr. Obia is known for his patient-centered approach, clinical efficiency, and commitment to holistic care for individuals and families.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Chibitam Hope Obia is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician with expertise in managing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. He has a strong interest in mental health and has pursued advanced training in the field. Dr. Obia is known for his patient-centered approach, clinical efficiency, and commitment to holistic care for individuals and families.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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