Ear, nose and throat
Medicines for Mastoiditis
A serious infection of the bone behind the ear, usually following a middle ear infection — needing prompt treatment with antibiotics and sometimes surgery.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Mastoiditis?
Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, the part of the skull just behind the ear that contains air spaces connected to the middle ear. It usually develops as a complication of a middle ear infection (otitis media) that has spread, and is more common in children.
- How it is treated: Mastoiditis is treated promptly, usually in hospital, with antibiotics given into a vein to treat the infection, along with pain relief and treatment of the underlying ear infection.
- Self-care: Seeking timely treatment for ear infections and prompt medical attention if a child does not improve or develops pain, redness or swelling behind the ear help catch mastoiditis early.
- When to seek help: Seek prompt medical care for pain, redness, tenderness or swelling behind the ear, especially with fever and after an ear infection.
What it is
Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, the part of the skull just behind the ear that contains air spaces connected to the middle ear. It usually develops as a complication of a middle ear infection (otitis media) that has spread, and is more common in children. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, redness and swelling behind the ear, which may push the ear forward, along with fever, ear discharge, and being generally unwell, often after or during an ear infection. Because the mastoid is close to important structures, untreated mastoiditis can lead to serious complications, so it needs prompt medical attention. Thanks to antibiotics, serious mastoiditis is now much less common than in the past, but it remains an important condition to recognise and treat quickly.
How it is treated
Mastoiditis is treated promptly, usually in hospital, with antibiotics given into a vein to treat the infection, along with pain relief and treatment of the underlying ear infection. Many cases improve with antibiotics, but some need a procedure to drain infected fluid — for example draining the middle ear (sometimes with a grommet) or, if the infection is more advanced or not responding, an operation on the mastoid bone (mastoidectomy) to remove infected material. Close monitoring watches for complications. Prompt treatment usually leads to a full recovery. Because it typically follows a middle ear infection, appropriate treatment of ear infections and seeking help if a child does not improve or develops swelling behind the ear help prevent and catch it early. Care is guided by an ENT specialist.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Mastoiditis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Seeking timely treatment for ear infections and prompt medical attention if a child does not improve or develops pain, redness or swelling behind the ear help catch mastoiditis early. Completing prescribed treatment supports recovery.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Seek prompt medical care for pain, redness, tenderness or swelling behind the ear, especially with fever and after an ear infection. Seek urgent care if a child is very unwell, drowsy, has a severe headache, or the swelling is worsening quickly.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Mastoiditis: frequently asked questions
What causes mastoiditis?
It usually develops when a middle ear infection spreads to the mastoid bone behind the ear. It is more common in children and needs prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.
How is mastoiditis treated?
Promptly, usually in hospital with antibiotics into a vein, treatment of the underlying ear infection, and sometimes a procedure to drain infected fluid or, if advanced, surgery on the mastoid bone. Prompt treatment usually leads to full recovery.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Mastoiditis
- ENT UK guidance
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.