Is there any non prescription drugs that would help a ear infection and would cold medicine work for it?

Yes there is. CVS in particular carries Homeopathic Earache Drops that really work. The brand is Hyland's and they are safe for children.

I use these drops with my little ones during surprise nighttime earaches to tide them over until we see the ped in the morning.

This brand offers safe relief to my little ones and I highly recommend it. You can visit Hyland's site at http://www.hylands.com if your local drug store doesn't carry the line.

Sweet oil, which can also be purchased at the drug store may offer relief, as will the home remedy of putting a gentle low warm stream on your blowdryer and letting it flow into the affected ear. Hydrogen peroxide is also equally effective (as someone else pointed out). These ideas may not offer complete relief, but they will tide you over until you can see the doc.

Good luck!

No, no. Theres nothing that really works, antibiotic drops are what you need for an ear infection and they are not available over the counter. Go see a doctor.

I have heard that warming a little olive oil and putting it in would help. And gargling with salt water will help because the eustacian tube is probably inflamed too.

What I use is hydrogen peroxide. I lay on one side and pour 1/3 capful into opposite ear (than the one i'm laying on) and let it sit for 15 or until you don't hear the 'popping' noise anymore. I do this 3 times each ear.

It works! It prevents and halts ear and sinus infections and colds.

Good Luck!

Cold medicine won't help an ear infection.

Try the hydrogen peroxide. I've never tried it personally, but have heard good things about its effectiveness and safety.

Also, get some grapefruit seed extract. It is sold at health food stores in a plastic bottle. Mix it in your orange juice 4 or 5 times a day and drink it. It's bitter, but the juice helps. It's got antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties and is awesome for your immune system, which means it should help you recover faster from any ailment. It's not a cure-all, mind you, but whatever you do to get better, take the GSE as well.

don't take it at the same time as medications, though, as grapefruit disrupts (sometimes even reverses) the functions of almost all meds.

don't hesitate to go to your doc if you keep feeling cruddy or get worse.

Antibiotics are widely overused and are not being prescribed for the majority of ear infections because of this. Just use some mullein garlic drops that are slightly warmed. Two or three drops in the offending ear a couple of times a day. This is what I use on my kids and it works great.

you can try taking alcohol free echinacea extract by mouth; it will help if caught early.