Ear drops are a form of medicine used to treat or prevent ear infections, especially infections of the outer ear and ear canal (otitis externa).
Bacterial infections are sometimes treated with antibiotics. Examples are:
Over the counter ear drops are also available, including spirit drops (alcohol solution), which dries out the ear, and drops such as Aqua Ear (used for swimmer's ear) containing a mixture of substances such as alcohol and acetic acid, to dry the ear and make it difficult for microbes to grow.