Otitis externa: The place for polypharmacy

Authors: Evans JM, Jemmett JE
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 26, Issue 11, pp 280-283, Nov 1978
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: General
Subject Terms: Ear/nose/throat, Inflammation, Disease/defect, Pharmacology, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Scientific Article

---

Abstract: The aetiology of otitis externa is complex and several factors are involved, either as primary initiating causes or as secondary complications. In many cases, the condition is brought about by a combination of events, resulting in dynamic changes in the physiological, anatomical and microbiological state of the ear. Thus, identification of the cause in a particular case is very often impossible, impractical, or too time-consuming. Furthermore, the expense of bacteriological investigations may not be justified because the findings can he very difficult to interpret. Therefore, there are many occasions when a combination of therapeutic agents in one preparation polypharmacy would be advantageous as a first-line treatment. It is important, indeed fundamental, that such a medicament should be effective against all the common aetiological factors. Ideally, an antibiotic, an antifungal, aparasiticidal and an anti-inflammatory agent should be included. The results obtained in a clinical trial with a combined preparation that met the above requirements have shown that this approach to therapy is efficacious.

---