A randomized clinical trial of two topical preparations (framycitin/gramicidin and oxytetracycline/ hydrocortisone with polymyxin B) in the treatment of external otitis

Summary In a randomized trial, 55 patients with acute external otitis were treated with either topical framycitin/gramicidin (Sofradex) or oxytetracycline/hydrocortisone (Terracortril) with polymyxin B (TPB) ear-drops for 1 week. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas pyocyanea were the bacteria most frequently found in the ear canal; 78% of the patients were cured. However, no significant differences in therapy were found when either of the preparations was used. S. aureus seemed to be most resistant to treatment, while P. pyocyanea was less of a therapeutic problem. Additionally, previous episodes of external otitis or other skin diseases did not seem to influence any treatment given.