Polydex ear drops: instructions, reviews of ear drops

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Vereshchak Vladimir Vasilievich

Otolaryngologist (ENT) of the first category

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Otitis is a common disease among all age categories of patients. Most often, children of preschool age suffer from otitis due to the imperfection of the immune system and complications of a runny nose caused by various pathogens. Polydexa for otitis media can have a high effect in the treatment of bacterial diseases, has a high-quality local effect and does not have a systemic effect on the body as a whole. Dosage, list of contraindications and side effects, detailed description and analogues are discussed in this text.

About the drug

The drug is produced exclusively by the French company Laboratory Bouchard, and has virtually no structural analogues in the entire global pharmaceutical market. In terms of composition, the product is classified as an antimicrobial agent, since the main composition includes 2 antibiotics. The medication has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and vasoconstrictor effects.

If a patient is diagnosed with otitis, Polydex is prescribed in the form of ear drops, but it is worth noting that the medication is widely used in otolaryngology, and can be prescribed in the form of a nasal spray for infectious and inflammatory processes in the nasal cavity. For the treatment of otitis, sinusitis, sinusitis and other acute inflammatory processes in children, an ENT specialist can prescribe any of the indicated forms of medication.

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Contraindications

Due to the presence of substances from 3 different pharmaceutical groups in the drug, Polydexa has a considerable list of contraindications:

hypersensitivity to any of the components of the product;
intolerance to amidoglycoside antibiotics;
severe hypertension;
coronary insufficiency;
angle-closure glaucoma and suspicion of it;
urinary retention due to urethro-prostatic disorders;
previous stroke or threat of its development;
history of seizures;
use simultaneously with non-selective MAO inhibitors, other alpha-agonists and indirect sympathomimetics;
pregnancy;
breastfeeding period;
childhood.

Composition and release form

Polydex ear drops are a yellow glass bottle with a volume of 10.5 ml, packaged in a cardboard box. The kit includes an ear dropper and instructions for use.

The main composition includes: neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, dexamethasone. Excipients include purified water, citric acid, sodium hydroxide solution, polysorbate, etc.

Antimicrobial action is achieved using polymyxin B and neomycin. The combined effect of both antibiotics significantly expands the spectrum of action of the drug relative to gram-positive and gram-negative strains. The anti-inflammatory effect is achieved due to the presence of dexamethasone in the main composition - a glucocorticosteroid agent, in this case - local action.

The nasal spray is available in 15 ml bottles, packaged in cardboard boxes. The kit includes a spray nozzle. The main composition, in addition to the three above components, contains the active ingredient phenylephrine, which has a vasoconstrictor effect. Among the additional auxiliary components, the spray contains lithium hydroxide and lithium chloride.

Composition, effect of the drug and indications for use

The drug Polydex has a wide spectrum of action due to its complex composition. It includes:

Neomycin sulfate. An antibiotic from the group of aminoglycosides with a broad spectrum of action. The antibiotic Neomycin destroys most gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms; there is no effect when used against fungi, anaerobic flora and viruses. The solution of ear drops contains 650 thousand IU of active substance;
Polymyxin sulfate. An antibiotic from the polymyxin group, it destroys gram-negative microbes, not only suppressing the growth of microorganisms, but also preventing their reproduction, violating the integrity of the membrane structure. Polydex ear drops contain 1,000,000 IU of the antibiotic polymexin B;
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Dexamethasone. A hormonal drug with pronounced anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and antitoxic effects. The presence of dexamethasone in the drug reduces the toxic effect of antibiotics, helps to more quickly relieve inflammation and reduce swelling of the ear canal and rapid tissue healing. The medicinal solution contains 0.1 g of dexamethasone. Such a small dosage of the substance has almost no hormonal effect on the body and can be prescribed even to children under one year old.

Thanks to this composition, Polydexa has both anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and antimicrobial effects. The remedy is not active only against streptococci and bacteria.

The therapeutic effectiveness of the medicine is noted after the first 4-5 uses, and if there is no improvement within 3 days from the start of using drops in the ear, it means that otitis media is caused by a microorganism that is resistant to the antibiotics contained in Polydex and it is necessary to change the medication.

The drug can be used to treat the following diseases:

acute otitis media;
exacerbation of chronic inflammation of the middle ear;
ear canal infections;
infected eczema;
inflammation of the eustachian tubes.

Due to low absorption, the medication has only a local effect on the ear, without entering the general bloodstream.

But, despite the direct indications for use, it is not recommended to use the medication if the integrity of the eardrum is damaged. The antibiotics contained in the drug are ototoxic and can damage the auditory nerve. Many doctors consider a ruptured eardrum a contraindication to prescribing the medication.

Polydexa for children is prescribed not only for the above diseases; additional drops can be prescribed to infants and young children, for ear pain of unknown etiology to prevent otoinfection. But infants can use drops only under strict medical supervision.

In some cases, a pediatric ENT specialist recommends diluting the solution with warm water before instilling it into the ears to reduce the toxic effect of antibiotics. Despite the fact that the indications for use are for ages over 2 years, pediatricians often prescribe the drug to infants not only for instillation into the ear, but also recommend injecting it into the nose for the purpose of complex antibacterial therapy.

The ear product is available in a dark plastic or glass bottle complete with a convenient dispenser pipette, which allows you to accurately follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Storing the bottle with the substance in a dark place, inaccessible to children, if it has not been opened, it is recommended to use the drug for a period of 3 years from the release date indicated on the package. If the bottle with the drug has been opened, its shelf life is 3 weeks from the date of opening.

When is it prohibited to use the medication?

An absolute contraindication for the use of the drug will be:

intolerance to one of the antibiotics included in the product;
pregnancy and breastfeeding (despite the fact that the substances act locally, only on the ear, pregnant women, despite all the indications for treatment, are prohibited by pharmacists, since no studies have been conducted on the effect of antibiotics on the fetus);
glaucoma;
hypersensitivity to one or more components of the medication;
kidney pathologies associated with urinary retention;
history of ventricular tachycardia;
liver dysfunction.

In all contraindicated cases, the use of the medicine is prohibited. In addition, the drug cannot be treated simultaneously with the following antibacterial drugs:

Gentamicin.
Monomycin.
Amikacin.

The active substances of the listed medications, interacting with the components of the Polydex drug, have a toxic effect on the human body.

Indications for the use of polydex nasal and ear drops

The medication is used in otolaryngology for the treatment of acute inflammatory processes of the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity and external auditory canal.

Nasal drops are prescribed for:

Directions for use and correct dosages

Ear drops should be instilled into each ear canal in the dosage described below. Before use, the bottle should be warmed in your hand to avoid discomfort caused by cold liquid getting into the ear. This recommendation is especially important when treating a child. After instillation, you need to tilt your head in the opposite direction and hold it in this position for 2-3 minutes so that the product reaches the source of inflammation. Then repeat the procedure with the second ear.

Dosage of ear drops:

Children: 1-2 drops in each ear canal 2 times a day. The course of treatment is from 6 to 10 days. If symptoms persist, you should contact a specialist.
Adults: 3-5 drops according to the same regimen with the same duration of treatment.

The nasal spray does not require pre-warming. The bottle must be kept level, without turning over.

Nasal spray dosage:

Children from 2.5 to 15 years old - 1 injection into each nasal passage three times a day.
Adults take one injection three to five times a day.

Features of the drug in children

The use of drops in children is permitted only under medical supervision

The use of Polydex for otitis in children is very common in pediatrics, since inflammatory processes in the ear cavity often develop in childhood.

The instructions for the drug indicate the possibility of using drops in children under 3 years of age under the strict supervision of a doctor.

The dosage for children is the same as for adults - 1-2 drops in the ear twice a day.

The period of treatment of otitis in children with this drug can take from 5 to 10 days. The product quickly copes with the inflammatory process and speeds up recovery.

You should not use this drug on your own to treat a child. First you need to consult a doctor and find out all the points about its use.

Polydexa during pregnancy

Unlike many medications, the drug can be prescribed to a pregnant woman, as well as during the lactation period. We are talking about ear drops. Naturally, treatment is carried out under the supervision of a specialist and only as prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist. Long-term use is fraught with toxic effects on the fetus, therefore the course of treatment often does not exceed 5 days.

Nasal spray, on the contrary, is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, as it contains phenylephrine, the vasoconstrictor effect of which can negatively affect the development of the fetus.

Features of the composition

Polydex nasal spray with phenylephrine

Polydexa with phenylephrine has a unique composition that ensures the complex effect of the drug.

The spray contains several active ingredients:

neomycin sulfate;
polymyxin sulfate;
dexamethasone;
phenylephrine hydrochloride.

In addition to them, it contains auxiliary components: methyl parahydroxybenzoate, macrogol 4000, citric acid monohydrate, lithium chloride, polysorbate 80, lithium hydroxide and purified water.

Polydexa: contraindications

Since the 2 forms of the drug have different compositions, the list of contraindications depends on the prescribed form of the drug.

Dropping this medicine into the ear canal is contraindicated if:

viral or traumatic damage to the eardrum;
individual intolerance or hypersensitivity to components;
mycoses (fungal diseases) of the ears.

Nasal spray is contraindicated for:

pregnancy, lactation;
in childhood up to 2.5 years;
viral infections;
renal or liver failure;
in complex therapy with MAO inhibitors;
angle-closure glaucoma;
individual sensitivity to components.

Application and contraindications

The drug Polydexa is used mainly for the treatment of diseases of the ENT organs.
The pharmaceutical industry produces this drug in two forms. Ear drops are placed in a bottle. The container itself is made of dark glass. The package with the bottle contains a pipette for more precise dosage during treatment. Polydexa is also available in spray form. The drug in this form is used to treat diseases of the nasal cavity. Thanks to it, it is possible to eliminate the cause that can provoke the appearance of otitis media. The main factors that can cause this disease include:

sinusitis;
rhinitis;
other diseases of the pharynx and oral cavity of an infectious nature.

In order to effectively eliminate these ailments, the spray contains, along with the above components, phenylephrine. This substance has a vasoconstrictor effect and thanks to it, when taking the spray, nasal congestion is reduced, and in addition, nasal breathing is significantly easier for the patient.

Although the substances that are present in Polydex drops are able to cope with many types of pathogens, streptococci, staphylococci and anaerobic bacteria demonstrate resistance to the effects of this medicine. If after a week of taking the drug no improvement has occurred in the patient’s condition, then in this case the drug should be stopped and replaced with another drug.

Contraindications

Polydex drops in the ears are characterized by low absorption of the bloodstream, which is due to the fact that it is a topical drug. Therefore, it can have an effect on the human body only if the dose is exceeded or in cases where the medicine is used for a long time

Taking into account the fact that the nose and ears are located very close to the brain, there is a high risk that if used incorrectly for treatment, the drug may have a negative effect on the brain. Taking Polydexa is contraindicated in the following situations:

if the patient has hypersensitivity to the components included in the drug;
intolerance to the active ingredients of Polydex - both acquired and hereditary;
perforation of the eardrum caused by any reason;
angle-closure glaucoma or suspicion of this disease;
pregnancy or breastfeeding period;
children under 2.5 years old;
kidney diseases that are associated with albuminuria.

Polydex drops in the ear are contraindicated for treatment in cases where the patient's disease has a viral etiology. The fact is that, regardless of the drug group, antibiotics are not able to cope with viruses. If they are part of therapy, they can even cause harm to the body, since during treatment, antibiotics not only eliminate bacteria, but also kill beneficial microflora, thereby reducing the protective functions of the immune system. And this provides a good opportunity for pathogens to enter the body without any complications and cause serious damage to it.

Although doctors quite often use this medicine for eczema, if the fungus causes the skin disease, then this drug is ineffective. Doctors refuse to prescribe Polydex drops in cases where:

the patient has kidney problems;
there are urinary disorders;
with ventricular tachycardia.

There are several medications with which Polydex drops are incompatible. Therefore, if the patient uses any additional means during treatment, then before carrying out therapy with this remedy, it is necessary to clarify this point with your doctor.

Analogues of the drug

As already noted, the medicine has a unique combination of active ingredients, which is not produced by other pharmaceutical companies, therefore there are no structural analogues of Polydex. The pharmaceutical network is only able to offer analogues in release form and effect. It is worth noting that it is difficult to call the medicine cheap - a bottle for ear drops will cost 290-310 rubles, a nasal form - 310-320 rubles. However, it is simply impossible to purchase a medicine that is cheap and similar in composition. A Polydexa substitute may be needed in case of individual intolerance to the constituent components, and in this case it is better to entrust the question of selecting a product to a specialist.

There are common cases when an ENT replaces treatment with Polydexa with therapy with Isofra spray, which is popularly considered similar. This opinion is erroneous, although both medications are produced by the same company - the Bouchard Laboratory. Isofra contains another active ingredient, Framycetin, and is available exclusively in the form of a nasal spray. Cost - 310-320 rubles per bottle. The drug is used for acute sinusitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, and also as a preventive measure after surgery. The antibiotic included in the solution has a bactericidal effect against many strains of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Whether it is worth replacing the Polydex drug with Isofra spray can only be decided by a qualified specialist.

Special attention is paid to the drug Maxitrol, which is mistakenly considered an analogue of Polydexa. In the instructions for use, the manufacturer indicates the same basic composition - neomycin, polymyxin B, dexamethasone. However, it is worth paying attention to the form of release, since Maxitrol is produced exclusively in the form of eye drops and has a completely different auxiliary composition, focused on the treatment of bacterial lesions of the eyes and eye appendages. There is no adequate amount of research into the possibility of using Maxitrol in ENT practice, the list of contraindications for the drug is much wider, and the pricing policy is unfavorable - a 5 ml bottle will cost 530 rubles.

Use of local antibiotics

Local antibacterial therapy is justified for a runny nose that is protracted, accompanied by purulent discharge and in the absence of complications. Most often prescribed for purulent discharge in an adult and severe nasal congestion in a child:

Polydex;
Isofr;
Fluimucil antibiotic IT.

Polydexa description

A French drug, it contains two antibacterial substances: neomycin, polymyxin B. In addition, it contains phenylephrine, a substance that reduces swelling, and the hormone dexamethasone. Due to its composition, the medicinal product has a complex effect:

antibacterial;
anti-inflammatory;
decongestant;
vasoconstrictor.

Polydex is prescribed for rhinitis of any form (chronic, acute), sinusitis, rhinosinusitis. There are contraindications; the product is not recommended for use by patients with a number of diseases (glaucoma, thyroid pathologies, albuminuria), expectant mothers, nursing mothers, children under 3 years of age.

For a runny nose, adults spray Polydex 5 times a day, one dose in each nostril; for children over 2.5 years old, 3 times a day is enough.

Isofra, description

Manufactured in France, the active substance (framycetin) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and has an inhibitory effect on various types of pathogens. Indications for use are diagnoses:

bacterial rhinitis;
sinusitis (without damage to the septum);
rhinosinusitis.

Recommendations for using Isofra:

adults can instill one dose into each nostril 6 times a day;
children are instilled into the nasal passages no more than once every 8 hours.

Fluimucil antibiotic IT

An inhaled antibiotic is produced in Italy. Double use: instillation, inhalation. This medicine is considered the most effective in treating a runny nose with a bacterial nature. The complex action drug (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic) contains thiamphenicol (antibiotic), acetylcysteine (mucolytic).

An antibiotic is prescribed for identified bacterial infections, diagnoses:

rhinitis;
bronchitis;
sinusitis;
laryngotracheitis.

Fluimucil is strictly prohibited for patients with severe kidney and blood diseases. Pregnant women and mothers during breastfeeding cannot treat a runny nose with it. Treatment is discontinued if the patient shows signs of intolerance to thiamphenicol or acetylcysteine

Doctors allow the medicine to be used with caution in young children (under 3 years of age) and in patients with chronic diseases (ulcers, bronchial asthma, pulmonary hemorrhages)

Treatment with fluimucil in adult patients

The doctor prescribes inhalation or instillation. For inhalation you need 0.25 g of medicine. Instillation is carried out 2 times a day, 2 drops in each nasal canal.

Treatment of children aged one year and older

The dose of medication for children's inhalation is 0.125 g. It is permissible to give a child 2 inhalations per day. Instill 1-2 drops into the nostrils of children over 1 year old up to 2 times a day.