At a glance

QUICK SUMMARY

01 Type of medicine

Ear drops

02 Generic
03 Active ingredient

Urea hydrogen peroxide

04 Effective within
05 Works by

Breaking down ear wax using Hydrogen peroxide

06 Side effects

Medication details

Description

Otex Ear Drops for Ear Wax Removal

Otex Ear Drops are a clinically proven treatment that softens and helps remove hardened ear wax from the ear canal. Excess wax can cause discomfort, a feeling of fullness, temporary hearing difficulty, irritation and blockage, and these drops break down the hardened wax so the ear can clear it naturally or so a healthcare professional can remove it safely.

How it works

Ear wax is produced normally and usually migrates out of the canal by itself. When it hardens or is pushed inward, that process stalls and a plug forms. Otex contains urea hydrogen peroxide, which releases oxygen on contact with wax. The resulting effervescence breaks the plug apart physically, which is why you may hear fizzing or crackling, and why it works faster than a plain oil.

How to use it

Tilt your head so the affected ear faces upward and place the number of drops stated in the patient information leaflet into the ear. Stay in that position for the period given so the drops stay in the canal rather than running straight out. Fizzing and a temporary feeling of fullness are expected. Use for the number of days directed rather than indefinitely, and never put a cotton bud into the ear.

Who it is for

It is suitable for adults and children when used as directed. It is not for anyone with a perforated eardrum, grommets, a current ear infection, discharge from the ear, or recent ear surgery, so check first if you have any history of those.

Safety and when to get advice

Mild irritation or a brief increase in fullness can occur as the wax breaks up. Seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen, or if there is pain, discharge, dizziness or hearing loss. Get urgent advice for sudden hearing loss in one ear, which is not a wax problem and needs prompt assessment. Our UK pharmacy team can answer questions about this product before you buy.

Common questions

Why does it fizz?
The oxygen released on contact with wax is what breaks the plug apart. Fizzing is expected.

Otex or olive oil drops?
Otex acts faster on hardened wax. Olive oil is gentler and suits softening over a longer period. A pharmacist can advise.

Can I use cotton buds afterwards?
No. Buds push wax further in and risk damaging the eardrum.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the pack before use.

Directions

For adults, children, and the elderly: Use 1-2 times daily for 3-4 days.
Tilt your head and gently squeeze up to 5 drops into the ear.
Keep your head tilted for a few minutes to allow the drops to work.
Wipe away any excess with a tissue.
Repeat in the other ear if necessary.
Wash hands after use.
Do not use for more than 4 weeks after opening.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Urea hydrogen peroxide (5% w/w)
Other Ingredients: 8-hydroxyquinoline, glycerol

Side Effects

Mild bubbling sensation in the ear
Temporary discomfort, irritation, or pain
Possible temporary loss of hearing, dizziness, or tinnitus
Rarely, an unpleasant taste

Warnings

Do not use if allergic to urea hydrogen peroxide or any other ingredients.
Avoid use if you have ear problems, a damaged eardrum, dizziness, ear pain, swelling, discharge, infection, or tinnitus.
Do not use if you are using other ear drops or hearing aids simultaneously.
Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

Medically reviewed and published

  • This page was medically reviewed by Dr Sohaib Imtiaz, Clinical Lead on

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FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Is the fizzing or bubbling sensation normal?

Yes. The active ingredient releases oxygen as it softens the wax, so a mild bubbling or crackling sensation in the ear is expected and shows it is working. It should settle quickly. Stop if you get pain, swelling or discharge.

What if the wax has not cleared after a few days?

Very hard wax sometimes will not clear with drops alone, even once softened, and this can cause some temporary muffled hearing. If your ear is still blocked after the recommended few days of use, have it checked rather than continuing indefinitely. Our pharmacy team is available at info@rightangled.com.

What if I accidentally use more drops than needed?

There is no need to worry if a little extra runs out of the ear; simply wipe away the surplus with a tissue. Use the amount described in the directions rather than deliberately using more, as it will not clear the wax any faster.

Should I use cotton buds to clean the wax out afterwards?

No. Cotton buds tend to push wax further into the ear canal and can cause damage. The drops are designed to soften and help the wax clear on its own. If you need the ear cleared more thoroughly, have it done professionally.

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