Ear Pain in Thailand: what to buy at the pharmacy
Painful ear after swimming or diving, or an ear that feels blocked.
Blocked ear or dizzy after diving? That can be a pressure injury or decompression sickness, not wax. Stop diving and see a doctor today.
What to ask for first
Ofloxacin 0.3% ear drops
Antibiotic drops for swimmer's ear: pain when you pull the ear, itching or discharge. Warm the bottle in your hand first.
Keep water out of the ear until it heals: no swimming, and cotton with petroleum jelly in the ear when you shower.
See all 2 medicine options and real pack photos in the Mai Sabai app.
Open the appFree to try. Full guide: ฿79 once, for your whole trip.Look after yourself
- Don't put cotton buds or fingers in the ear.
- After swimming, tilt your head to drain the water and dry gently with a towel or a hair dryer on low.
- Paracetamol helps the pain.
See a doctor today if
- Severe pain, or swelling spreading to the face or behind the ear
- Fever, or you have diabetes
- Sudden hearing loss, ringing or spinning dizziness
- Any ear problem after diving
- No better after 3 days of drops
Show this screen to the pharmacist
สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ ฉันมีอาการปวดหู หูอื้อ
ขอยาสำหรับอาการนี้
Hello, I have: ear pain & blocked ear. I'd like medicine for this.
Do I need a prescription?
Not for the medicines on this page. Thai pharmacies sell them over the counter, and the pharmacist on duty can advise you. Always mention allergies, pregnancy and any other medicines you take.
Other symptoms
- Cold & feverRunny or blocked nose, sneezing, mild fever.
- Sore throatScratchy or painful throat, hurts to swallow.
- Dry coughTickly cough without phlegm, often worse at night.
- Cough & phlegmChesty cough with mucus.
- DiarrheaLoose or watery stools, stomach cramps.
- Heartburn & stomach acheBurning chest after spicy food, indigestion, bloating or cramps.
- Nausea & vomitingFeeling sick or throwing up, often from food poisoning.
- Allergy, itch & bitesSneezing and itchy eyes, hives, or itchy mosquito and insect bites.
- Cuts & scrapesGrazes, small cuts, scooter scrapes (the 'Thai tattoo').
- Muscle pain & sprainsSore muscles from Muay Thai or hiking, a twisted ankle, bruises from a scooter fall.
- Dizziness & seasicknessNausea on ferries, speedboats or winding roads, or the room spinning when you turn your head.
Emergency numbers in Thailand
- 1669Ambulance / medical emergency
- 1155Tourist Police (English)
- 191Police
General information for minor illness in healthy adults, not a diagnosis. Read the pack label, tell the pharmacist about other medicines you take, and see a doctor if you're not better in 2–3 days. Brand names are hidden on pack photos; the same medicine may come in different packs.