The effect of naproxen sodium on experimental otitis media.

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the effect of naproxen sodium on propylene glycol-induced otitis media in guinea pig ears. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty adult guinea pigs were randomized to the study and control groups equal in number. A single dose of propylene glycol (0.2 ml, 60%) was applied to the left ears of the control group and to both ears of the study group. Saline solution was applied to the right ears of the control group. After propylene glycol application, the study group received naproxen sodium (oral, 10 mg/kg daily) for 15 days, whereas the control ears were left untreated. At the end of four weeks, the animals were decapitated under anesthesia. Otoscopic examination was performed and temporal bones were removed for histologic examination under light microscopy. RESULTS Nine animals were alive in each group at the end of four weeks. In the control group, all the right ears receiving saline solution were normal, whereas otitis media and inflammatory changes were observed in six of the left ears receiving propylene glycol. In the study animals treated with naproxen sodium, otitis media and tympanic membrane perforation were seen in 14 ears. Of these, three ears had purulent, 11 ears had serous effusion. Epithelial hyperplasia (n=10), keratinizing epithelium and cholesteatoma formation (n=4) were also observed. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the administered dose of systemic naproxen sodium has no inhibitory effect on the development of inflammation and otitis media.