Which medication is a primary treatment for acute otitis externa?

The primary treatment for acute otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, focuses on reducing inflammation and allowing for appropriate medication to address any infection. Cortisporin ear drops are specifically formulated for this condition, containing a combination of an antibiotic and a corticosteroid. The antibiotic component helps to target bacteria that may be causing the infection, while the corticosteroid aids in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain in the ear.

In comparison, while other medications might sometimes be used in otologic conditions, they do not directly address the acute inflammatory response or may not be as effective. For example, ibuprofen is an NSAID that can relieve pain but does not treat the underlying infection. While amoxicillin may be appropriate for other types of infections, it is not the first-choice medication for acute otitis externa. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that could be effective for more complicated cases or when other treatments are not appropriate, but it is not the standard first-line therapy for uncomplicated acute otitis externa.

Thus, the choice of Cortisporin ear drops is justified due to their dual action in treating both the infection and the inflammation associated with acute otitis externa.