Does Taking Tetracycline Chloride Help With Cellulitis On Ear?

Posted on Mon, 4 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 4 Aug 2014 Answered on

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have cellulitis on my right ear. I am taking 500 mg tetracycline chloride every 4-6 hours. I have no fever or chills. Only pain/throbbing & warm to the touch. Will this anti biotic be sufficient? Ive been taking it for 1 day so far. Please advise. I don't have money for a doctor.

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes it can help!

Detailed Answer:
hello

Please try to meet your doctor as first thing is that we need to find out why you developed the cellulitis in the first place , that is , we have to look for the focus of infection.

You should also get your blood sugar tested as such infections are more common in diabetics.

tetracycline is a good drug , but there are many better drugs available which have better penetration in the ear and can give faster relief. You will have to meet your doctor for the prescription.

meanwhile you can continue your tetracycline.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (3 minutes later)

so the tetracycline will clear it up?

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes it will

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Yes it will clear it up in 60-70 % of the cases , but will take more time than other antibiotics.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (6 minutes later)

typically, how long will it take before I see any sign of improvement? it's been 1 day so far.

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
wait for 2-3 days at least!

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Ear infections specially of the external ear generally takes more time to heal and need antibiotics for 7-8 days,

You should feel better in 2-3 day and if that does not occur , or the pain/swelling increase , meet your doctor for changing the antibiotics and further treatment.

Get well soon!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (6 hours later)

can I take ibuprofen with the tetracycline?

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
yes you can take!

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Yes you can take ibuprofen with tetracycline but try to keep a gap of at least 30-60 minutes between both.

Take care!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar