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Urea-hydrogen peroxide ear drops

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These drops are used to soften hardened earwax.
Use 5 drops once or twice a day in the affected ear for 3 or 4 days.
Do not use the drops at the same time as anything else in your ear, such as a hearing aid.

About urea-hydrogen peroxide ear drops

Used for	Removal of earwax
Also called	Exterol® Otex®
Available as	Ear drops

These ear drops are used to treat hardened earwax. Urea-hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen in the ear which helps to break down the hardened wax. Some preparations also contain glycerin, which along with the urea, helps in softening the earwax. The hydrogen peroxide acts as an antiseptic.

After a few days the earwax may be soft enough to come out on its own. If not, your doctor may decide your ears need syringing to remove the wax.

Before using urea-hydrogen peroxide ear drops

Before using urea-hydrogen peroxide ear drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you have a damaged or perforated eardrum or any other ear problem.
If you wear a hearing-aid.
If you have been experiencing dizziness.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use urea-hydrogen peroxide ear drops

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. Use the drops exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Use 5 drops in the affected ear. Keep your head tilted for 5 to 10 minutes so that the affected ear is upwards and the drops do not run out. Do not plug your ear with anything (for example, cotton wool). Use the drops once or twice daily for at least 3 or 4 days.
If the drops are for a child, follow the instructions as above, but only insert as many drops as are needed to fill the ear canal.
Do not use this preparation more often, or for a longer period than you have been directed.

Getting the most from your treatment

Do not use these drops at the same time as anything else in your ear (such as a hearing aid).
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days days or if they become worse, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Can urea-hydrogen peroxide ear drops cause problems?

Common side-effect	What can I do if I experience this
Fizzing in the ear	This is due to oxygen being released in the ear. It is nothing to be concerned about and will soon pass

If you experience any irritation, pain or any other symptoms, stop using the drops and speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store urea-hydrogen peroxide ear drops

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Once opened, do not keep the bottle for longer than 4 weeks.

Important information about all medicines

If you suspect that you or someone else has swallowed any of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Exterol® Ear Drops, Dermal Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2007, accessed June 2008.
Manufacturer's PIL, Otex® Ear Drops, Diomed Developments Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2007, accessed June 2008.
British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 3672

DocRef: dils3470

Last Reviewed: 2 Jul 2009

Version: 22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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