Which painkiller can help with an earache? 

There are various types of painkillers that differ in active ingredients. At KNO winkel, we offer Sinaspril liquid paracetamol and Otalgan ear drops. 

Sinaspril is a liquid medicine containing paracetamol for children aged 5 and over. Paracetamol has pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects and can also be used to relieve ear pain. The liquid form of Sinaspril can be convenient for children who have difficulty swallowing tablets. 

Paracetamol reduces the symptoms, but does not treat the cause of the earache. 

View Sinaspril paracetamol 120 liquid

For ear pain, paracetamol is usually the first choice for pain relief. Otalgan works differently: the ear drops contain lidocaine hydrochloride, which numbs the pain locally and temporarily. The ear drops can be used, for example, for ear pain caused by a cold or a middle ear infection. 

There is no age limit for Otalgan. Does a child younger than 6 months have an earache? Then please contact the GP first . 

Do not use Otalgan if you have a runny ear or if you have or have had a perforated eardrum. Consult a doctor before use if you have a fever. 

View Otalgan 5 mg/g, ear drops

Sinaspril and Otalgan can relieve ear pain, but do not treat the cause of the ear pain. What else is needed depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. 

When should you go to the doctor for an earache? 

Contact the GP when: 

• a child younger than 6 months has an earache; 
• a child younger than 2 years has pain in both ears; 
• a child has previously had ear surgery; 
• a child has Down syndrome; 
• you or your child is very ill or is becoming sicker, for example with rising fever, drowsiness, or poor drinking; 
• the ear starts to protrude further from the head or pain develops behind the ear; 
• there is a lot of itching or a burning sensation in the ear canal in addition to ear pain; 
• the earache does not improve after 3 days; 
• a running ear with pus lasts longer than 1 week; 
• you continue to have poor hearing for longer than 3 months after an ear infection. 

Reading tip 

Read the blog by former ENT doctor Jan van der Borden about recognizing, the course, and the treatment of middle ear infections in children . The blog provides practical information for parents. 

Frequently asked questions about ear pain 

Can you use ear drops for an earache? 

Sometimes. For ear pain, paracetamol is usually the first choice for pain relief. Ear drops such as Otalgan are not routinely necessary, but can temporarily numb the pain locally. 

Can you combine a nasal spray with a painkiller? 

A suitable nasal spray and paracetamol can sometimes be used together. They target different symptoms. Paracetamol reduces pain and fever. A nasal spray can, depending on the type, relieve a stuffy nose. 

Check the age limit and instructions for use for both products. Do you want to combine a nasal spray and a painkiller, but are unsure if this is wise? Then consult your GP.