OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of Tongqiao tablet (TQT) in treating catarrhal otitis media (COM).METHODSNinety-six patients of COM were randomized into two groups, 52 patients in the treatment group were treated with TQT and 44 patients of the control group were treated with western medicine. Animal experiment study on effect of TQT was also carried out.RESULTSThe total effective rate and the cure and markedly improved rate of the treatment group were 92.31% and 53.85% respectively, while those in the control group were 68.18% and 27.27% respectively, the difference between the two groups was significant statistically (P < 0.01). The effect of TQT was superior to that of the western medicine. Experimental study indicated that TQT had remarkable inhibiting effect on inflammation and granuloma formation.CONCLUSIONTQT is an effective drug for treatment of COM.