Otorrhea occurs in 21 to 50% of all children with tympanostomy tubes in the United States. More than 1 million children annually undergo tubomyringotomy, constituting placement of more than 2 million tympanostomy tubes each year. The organisms typically responsible for otorrhea are the same as those that cause otitis media in very young children, including Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Drainage from tympanostomy tubes in older children involves organisms that colonize the external auditory canal, the most common being Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Ofloxacin (Floxin otic), a newer fluoroquinalone antibiotic, has several advantages over other agents available for the treatment of otorrhea caused by acute otitis media in patients with tympanostomy tubes. The twice daily dosing regimen encourages better patient adherence to therapy, which is likely to improve treatment efficacy. Ofloxacin has not been associated with ototoxicity in animal models or in children participating in the clinical trials. It provides coverages for a wide range of pathogens, including Pseudomonas sp., and is indicated for use in children > or =1 year old and currently approved for patients > or =12 years with chronic suppurative otitis media. Ofloxacin applied topically in children with tympanostomy tubes in place and purulent otorrhea is as efficacious as oral amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) therapy. Other currently available therapeutic options are discussed.