Can nasal allergy medications cause ear itching?

Side Effects of Some Nasal Medications: Ear Itchiness

Certain nasal medications can cause ear itchiness, including those categorized as hormonal, antihistamines, and antibiotics. If you experience ear itchiness, it is recommended to promptly consult an otolaryngologist. Blood tests and otoscopic examinations can aid in diagnosing the condition and subsequent targeted treatment. Here's a breakdown of the common types and their potential effects:

1. Hormonal Nasal Medications

These are inhaled corticosteroids, commonly including budesonide nasal spray, mometasone furoate nasal spray, and fluticasone propionate nasal spray. While these medications exhibit anti-allergic properties, they may also cause irritation, leading to dry nasal mucosa, mucosal damage with stimulating itchiness. Additionally, they can stimulate the middle ear mucosa through the eustachian tube, causing ear itchiness. Mild symptoms typically require no specific treatment. However, if symptoms are pronounced, gradual dosage reduction under medical guidance may alleviate them.

2. Antihistamine Nasal Medications

Commonly prescribed antihistamines include cetirizine hydrochloride drops, levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets, and desloratadine tablets. Some patients may experience fatigue, drowsiness, headaches, and ear itchiness after using these medications. These side effects generally resolve spontaneously upon discontinuation of the drug.

3. Antibiotic Nasal Medications

Certain antibiotics like cefuroxime axetil tablets, azithromycin granules, and levofloxacin hydrochloride ear drops can occasionally cause ear itchiness. These medications may elicit allergic reactions on the external auditory canal skin, resulting in itchy ears and skin rashes. Discontinuing the medication and monitoring for symptom relief is advised. If the itching persists, combining treatment with mometasone furoate nasal spray may be considered.