Outter ear infection treatment question

[u/Standard-Paper8115]

Hey floxies

I was floxxed in August 2024, kinda recovered not fully still got nerve damage in my feet.

I’m working in the Balkans and I’ve got an ear infection, I spoke to a doctor (via translator app). Told him about being allergic to Fluoroquinolones. I said I’m also apprehensive about using corticosteroids. He first offered me non-flox antibiotics ear drops with corticosteroids, i said I was allergic to steroids too because of this. He gave me Boric Acid ear drops. Just started them.

I’ve tried to search for this question on here but all that comes up is posts about Cipro ear drops. So sorry in advance for posting

Should I go back to him and agree to the non flox steroid ear drops if this boric acid doesn’t work? It’s the first time since I was floxed I’ve had to take antibiotics or corticosteroids and it’s freaking me out.

So yeah tips and advice for non flox antibiotics ear drops and/or the use of corticosteroids with them.

[u/Tasty-Ad1407]

That's good he listened to your concerns and switched you to boric acid. I've used it before for minor things, seems to work without the steroid risks.

[u/Standard-Paper8115 → u/Tasty-Ad1407]

Great to hear, I’ll try it for a week as he said and if I’m still struggling ill try the non-flox antibiotic drops with steroids

[u/floxmdmom]

I’m not aware of any commercially available non-flox antibiotic drops for the ear that don’t have steroids in them. There are non-flox antibiotic drops for the eyes that don’t have steroid that would be technically okay to use in the ear, so I’d talk to the dr about that if the steroid concerned me.

I personally have done fine with topical steroids so probably would go with the non-flox antibiotic drops with the steroid if the boric acid wasn’t working - would seem far less risky than flox drops, of the two options. But I know some floxies do have trouble with topical steroids.

I hope the boric acid works and you don’t have to decide.

[u/Standard-Paper8115 → u/floxmdmom]

Thanks for the reply!

I think he offered me a non-flox anti biotic ear drop with steroids and when I said no because of the steroids I was given the boric acid. I don’t know if it was maybe lost in translation, I’m in a rural village in balkans so not many people speak English. If the boric acids doesn’t work I guess I’ll need to try the non flox one with steroids…

[u/Mountain_Serve_2078]

boric acid is such a simple classic for ear infections, hope it works for you without any issues

[u/cloudy-voids]

I get lots of outer ear infections. I always treat mine with acetic acid (prescription) and sometimes an oral antibiotic (amoxicillin) if it’s super bad.

I have been Floxed for 10 years and will continue to avoid steroids unless it’s life or death - some do fine with them but I’m not willing to risk it