39.3 Otic Antihistamines, Decongestants, and Cerumenolytics
2 min read•june 18, 2024
Ear problems can be a real pain, but otic medications are here to help! From antihistamines to and , these meds tackle allergies, swelling, and pesky earwax. They work their magic right in your ear canal.
Using ear drops might seem tricky, but it's all about technique. Nurses play a crucial role in administering these meds and teaching patients how to use them safely at home. Remember, proper use is key to getting relief without any unwanted side effects!
Otic Medications
Otic antihistamines, decongestants, and cerumenolytics
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- Otic antihistamines treat allergic reactions and inflammation in the ear by blocking histamine receptors and reducing itching (promethazine, )
- Otic decongestants reduce swelling and congestion in the ear by constricting blood vessels (phenylephrine, )
- Cerumenolytics soften and remove excess earwax (cerumen) by dissolving it and facilitating removal (, , mineral oil)
Primary actions and side effects
- Otic antihistamines block histamine receptors in the ear, reducing inflammation and itching, but may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision
- Otic decongestants constrict blood vessels in the ear, reducing swelling and congestion, but may cause local irritation and rebound congestion with prolonged use
- Cerumenolytics soften and dissolve earwax, facilitating removal, but may cause temporary hearing loss, ear discomfort, and dizziness
Nursing considerations
- Assess the patient's ear for infection, perforation, or contraindications before administering medication
- Ensure patient comfort with affected ear facing upward
- Warm medication to body temperature to prevent dizziness and discomfort
- Gently pull ear upward and backward (adults) or downward and backward (children) to straighten ear canal
- Instill prescribed drops into ear canal, avoiding contact with dropper tip
- Have patient remain in position for several minutes to allow medication penetration
- Provide clean tissue to wipe away excess medication
- Document administration, including medication, dose, route, and patient response
Patient education
- Inform patients about proper technique for instilling ear drops
- Advise patients to complete full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve
- Caution patients not to use ear drops if they suspect a perforated eardrum
- Instruct patients to report adverse reactions, such as severe pain, discharge, or hearing loss, to their healthcare provider
- Remind patients to store ear drops at appropriate temperature and keep out of reach of children
- Advise patients not to share ear medications with others
- Encourage patients to follow up with their healthcare provider as directed to monitor treatment progress and ear health
Key Terms to Review (39)
Antihistamines for ear disorders: Antihistamines for ear disorders are medications used to alleviate symptoms like itching, swelling, and fluid accumulation in the ear by blocking histamine receptors. They are often used in conditions such as allergic reactions or inner ear infections.
Audiometry: Audiometry is the measurement and assessment of hearing function, typically through the use of specialized equipment and techniques. It is a crucial aspect of evaluating and managing various ear-related conditions, as well as monitoring hearing health over time.
Aural Irrigation: Aural irrigation is the process of flushing or cleaning the ear canal with a liquid solution, typically water or a medicated ear drop, to remove excess earwax, debris, or other foreign matter from the ear. This procedure is commonly used in the context of otic antihistamines, decongestants, and cerumenolytics (earwax-softening agents) to facilitate the administration and effectiveness of these medications.
Benadryl: Benadryl is a brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine commonly used to treat allergic reactions and symptoms of the common cold. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the body, reducing allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
Carbamide peroxide: Carbamide peroxide is an active ingredient used in ear drops to soften, loosen, and remove excessive earwax. It releases oxygen and breaks down the wax, making it easier to expel.
Carbamide Peroxide: Carbamide peroxide is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a cerumenolytic agent, which helps to soften and remove earwax (cerumen) buildup in the ear canal. It is also used as a whitening agent in some dental products. This term is particularly relevant in the context of otic antihistamines, decongestants, and cerumenolytics.
Cerumen Impaction: Cerumen impaction is the accumulation and hardening of earwax, or cerumen, within the ear canal, leading to a blockage that can cause various symptoms and complications. This term is particularly relevant in the context of otic antihistamines, decongestants, and cerumenolytics, as these medications are often used to manage and treat cerumen impaction.
Cerumenolytic: A cerumenolytic is a pharmacological agent used to dissolve and remove earwax (cerumen) from the ear canal. These agents help prevent earwax impaction, which can lead to hearing loss and discomfort.
Cerumenolytics: Cerumenolytics are agents that help soften and dissolve earwax (cerumen) in the ear canal, facilitating its removal. These agents are an important component in the management of cerumen impaction, a common condition where excessive earwax accumulates and can cause hearing difficulties, pain, and other complications.
Cetirizine hydrochloride: Cetirizine hydrochloride is a second-generation antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the body.
Chlor-Trimeton: Chlor-Trimeton is a brand name for chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Chlorpheniramine maleate: Chlorpheniramine maleate is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms by blocking histamine receptors. It is often utilized in otic formulations to manage ear-related allergic symptoms.
Claritin: Claritin is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. It contains loratadine, a second-generation antihistamine that does not usually cause drowsiness.
Cochlea: The cochlea is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure located in the inner ear that plays a crucial role in the process of hearing. It is responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.
Debrox: Debrox is an over-the-counter cerumenolytic agent used to soften and remove earwax. It contains carbamide peroxide which releases oxygen to help break down earwax.
Decongestant: A decongestant is a medication used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion.
Decongestants: Decongestants are a class of medications that work by reducing nasal and sinus congestion by constricting blood vessels and decreasing swelling in the nasal passages. They are commonly used to relieve symptoms associated with colds, allergies, and other upper respiratory conditions.
Diphenhydramine: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. It also has sedative properties and is sometimes used as a sleep aid.
Eustachian Tube: The Eustachian tube is a small, narrow passageway that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat (nasopharynx). It plays a crucial role in regulating the pressure and ventilation within the middle ear, which is essential for proper hearing and maintaining ear health.
External Auditory Canal: The external auditory canal is the tube-like structure that extends from the outer ear to the eardrum (tympanic membrane). It serves as a passageway for sound waves to reach the inner ear, and it also helps to protect the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear.
First-generation antihistamines: First-generation antihistamines are medications that block histamine H1 receptors to alleviate allergic symptoms. They often cause sedation due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Glycerin: Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid that is widely used in various pharmaceutical and medical applications. It is a versatile compound that plays a crucial role in the context of osmotic diuretics and otic antihistamines, decongestants, and cerumenolytics.
Histamine Antagonism: Histamine antagonism refers to the inhibition or blocking of the effects of the neurotransmitter histamine in the body. This is a key mechanism of action for various medications used in the context of otic antihistamines, decongestants, and cerumenolytics.
Loratadine: Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy such as runny nose, sneezing, and itching. It has fewer sedative effects compared to first-generation antihistamines.
Otalgia: Otalgia refers to the experience of ear pain or discomfort. It is a symptom that can arise in the context of various otic conditions and may be associated with other related issues such as hearing impairment or tinnitus.
Otic cerumenolytics: Otic cerumenolytics are medications used to soften and break down earwax (cerumen) to facilitate its removal. They are typically administered directly into the ear canal as drops.
Otic Drops: Otic drops are topical medications that are instilled directly into the ear canal to treat various conditions affecting the outer or middle ear. They are a key component in the management of otic antihistamines, decongestants, and cerumenolytics.
Otoscope: An otoscope is a medical instrument used to examine the external ear canal and eardrum. It is a crucial tool in the assessment and diagnosis of various otic (ear-related) conditions, including those covered in the topics of 39.2 Otic Anti-inflammatories and Anti-infectives, and 39.3 Otic Antihistamines, Decongestants, and Cerumenolytics.
Ototoxicity: Ototoxicity is the property of being toxic to the ear, specifically the cochlea or auditory nerve, and sometimes the vestibular system. It can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss and balance disorders.
Ototoxicity: Ototoxicity refers to the potential for certain drugs to cause damage or impairment to the auditory system, including the inner ear, cochlea, and auditory nerves. This can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders as adverse side effects of medication.
Pediatric clients: Pediatric clients are children and adolescents who require medical care, including pharmacological treatments. Special considerations must be made for their unique physiological and developmental needs.
Pediatric dosage: Pediatric dosage is the specific amount of medication prescribed to children, taking into account their age, weight, and developmental stage. It ensures both efficacy and safety in treating various pediatric conditions.
Pseudoephedrine: Pseudoephedrine is an oral decongestant commonly used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, or hay fever. It works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Sudafed: Sudafed is a brand name for pseudoephedrine, a decongestant used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and sinus infections. It works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Tympanic Membrane: The tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, is a thin, flexible tissue that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It plays a crucial role in the hearing process by transmitting sound vibrations from the external environment to the ossicles in the middle ear.
Vasoconstriction: Vasoconstriction is the narrowing or constriction of blood vessels, specifically the arteries and arterioles, which leads to a decrease in blood flow and blood pressure. This physiological process is an important mechanism in the regulation of blood flow and blood pressure throughout the body.
Vertigo: Vertigo is the sensation of dizziness, spinning, or a loss of balance, often accompanied by a feeling that the surrounding environment is moving or rotating. It is a common symptom that can be associated with various conditions affecting the inner ear, central nervous system, or balance mechanisms.
Vestibular System: The vestibular system is the sensory system responsible for providing the central nervous system with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation. It is a crucial component in maintaining balance, posture, and coordinating eye movements with head and body movements.
Zyrtec: Zyrtec is a brand name for cetirizine, an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itching. It is commonly used to treat both seasonal allergies and chronic urticaria (hives).