Ear Drug Delivery

Question 1

What is found in the OUTER EAR?

Answer 1

Pinna to Tympanic membrane

Question 2

What is found in the MIDDLE EAR?

Answer 2

Auditory ossicles, Eustachian tube, and round/oval window membrane

Question 3

What is found in the INNER EAR?

Answer 3

Vestibular portion, Cochlea, and auditory nerve

Question 4

What is the purpose of the oval window?

Answer 4

Leads to the vestibule; amplification of sound

Question 5

What is the purpose of the round window?

Answer 5

Its vibrations allow fluid in the cochlea to move

Question 6

Besides for balance, what else does the vestibular system do?

Answer 6

Sends signals that control eye movement and keeps the muscles of the eye upright

Question 7

What is the most common dosage form for otic disorders?

Answer 7

Solutions

Question 8

What are the advantages of using a solution?

Answer 8

Convenient

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of using a solution?

Answer 9

Short residence time

Question 10

What are the disadvantages of using a ointment?

Answer 10

1. Could block ear canal

2. Could be painful to apply

Question 11

What are the otic dosage forms?

Answer 11

1. Solution
2. Suspension
3. Ointment
4. Powders

Question 12

Muramidase, a component of mucosal glands, does what?

Answer 12

A lysozyme that lyses G+ bacteria

Question 13

What is the most common infection in children?

Answer 13

Otitis Media

Question 14

Do antibiotics have any effect on the clearance of the fluid?

Answer 14

Nope

Question 15

What is the main site of drug delivery from middle to inner ear?

Answer 15

Round window membrane

Question 16

What are some middle ear drug application issues?

Answer 16

1. Anatomic obstruction of round window membrane

2. Drug loss via Eustachian tube

Question 17

What are some issues w/ osmotic pumps to deliver medicine to inner ear?

Answer 17

1. Inability to deliver varying dosages
2. Inability to start and stop w/o removing system
3. Limited duration of drug delivery