What is the recommended first-line analgesia for a patient with otitis media?

The recommended first-line analgesia for a patient with otitis media is paracetamol. Paracetamol is widely recognized for its efficacy in managing pain and fever, making it particularly useful in treating the discomfort associated with otitis media. This condition can cause significant pain and discomfort due to inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, and effective analgesia is vital for patient comfort.

Paracetamol is preferred as it has a favorable safety profile, is well-tolerated, and is suitable for use in both adults and children. It can be easily administered in liquid form for younger patients, ensuring that pain relief is accessible. When considering treatment for otitis media, addressing pain symptoms effectively can enhance the overall treatment experience.

Other options like ibuprofen are also effective analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents, but paracetamol is often recommended first because of its ease of use, tolerability, and less potential for gastrointestinal side effects compared to NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Antibiotics such as amoxycillin and cefuroxime are not first-line for pain relief; they target the underlying bacterial infection in cases of bacterial otitis media rather than alleviating pain directly.