Otex Ear Drops

Otex Ear Drops for Ear Wax Removal

What are Otex Ear Drops used for?

Otex ear drops are effective ear care drops used to help remove hardened wax from the ear canal. They make ear wax removal easier and, in many cases, can avoid the need for ear syringing at your GP surgery.

Excessive, hardened earwax is quite common, but it can cause problems when it builds up and blocks the ear canal. The first symptom is usually a feeling of discomfort and fullness in the ear, which can become painful and lead to dizziness and some hearing loss if left untreated.

Otex softens and breaks down hardened wax, making it easier for your body to naturally remove it from your ear.

How do Otex Ear Drops work?

Otex ear drops contain the active ingredient is urea hydrogen peroxide. This works by releasing oxygen when it comes into contact with earwax, which breaks down the hardened wax and gently liberates it into smaller pieces.

When you put the drops in your ear, you may notice a mild bubbling sensation in the ear. This is completely normal and is caused by the oxygen being released as the drops work on the earwax. This helps to soften earwax and loosen it from the walls of your ear canal.

Once the wax has been softened, it becomes much easier to remove. In many cases, the softened wax will naturally fall out of your ear. If the wax is particularly stubborn or has been building up for a long time, you may still need to see your doctor or nurse for ear syringing, but the clinically proven drops will make the process much easier and more comfortable.

Who can use Otex Ear Drops?

Otex ear drops are suitable for adults, children, and older people who need help removing hardened earwax from their ear canals.

However, Otex may not be suitable for everyone. Do not use Otex ear drops if you:

• Are allergic to urea hydrogen peroxide or any other ingredients in Otex
• Have a history of ear problems or a history of any other ear conditions, unless used under close supervision of your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist
• Are also putting anything else in the ear, such as other ear drops or a hearing aid
• Have a damaged eardrum or have had a perforated eardrum in the past
• Suffer from dizziness
• Have anything else wrong with your ear, such as pain, swelling, discharge, secretion of the ear, infection, or tinnitus (ringing sounds in the ear)
• Have tried to remove the earwax using fingernails, cotton buds, or other objects, as you might have damaged the delicate protective layer in the ear
• Have had your ear syringed in the last 2 to 3 days, as using the drops soon after syringing could make it painful

You should speak to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before using Otex if you are in any doubt whether this product is suitable for you or if you are suffering from any other health conditions.

How to Use Otex Ear Drops

Otex ear drops should only be used in the ears. Repeat the following once or twice daily, generally for 3 to 4 days, until you notice an improvement in your hearing and less discomfort:

1. Turn the cap anti-clockwise to remove it. This will break the seal when you use the drops for the first time.
2. Remove the cap.
3. Tilt your head and gently squeeze up to 5 drops into the ear from the applicator nozzle.
4. Keep your head tilted for a few minutes so that the drops stay in the ear.
5. Wipe away any surplus with a tissue.
6. Repeat in the other ear if necessary.
7. Wash your hands.
8. Replace the cap after use and return the bottle to the carton.

Do not plug the ears with cotton wool.

In some cases, excessive earwax may persist for 3 to 4 days after softening. If the wax is very hard, the ear drops alone may not be able to clear the ear canal. This may cause temporary hearing loss. In these cases, you should consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for further advice.

Side Effects of Otex Ear Drops

Like all medicines, Otex can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common Side Effects

• A temporary mild bubbling or crackling sensation in the ear. This is completely normal and occurs when oxygen is released as the drops break down earwax.

Other Possible Side Effects

The ear drops can make the symptoms of excessive earwax worse. In some cases, the drops can make the symptoms more noticeable, including:

• Discomfort, irritation, or pain
• Loss of hearing
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus (ringing sound in the ear)

Rare Side Effects

• Very rarely, people report an unpleasant taste in their mouth. Stop using the ear drops immediately if this happens and tell your doctor.

Stop using Otex and tell your doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist or if any side effects become serious.

If you experience any side effects, even those not mentioned here, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme, which helps improve the safety of medicines for everyone.

Otex Ear Drops Ingredients

Active ingredient: Urea hydrogen peroxide 5% w/w

Other ingredients: 8-hydroxyquinoline and glycerol

Warnings & Precautions

• Keep Otex out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the bottle and carton.
• Once opened, do not use the bottle for longer than 4 weeks.
• Store below 25°C in a cool place and keep out of sunlight.
• Always replace the cap tightly after use and store the bottle upright in the outer carton to avoid spillage.
• Avoid getting Otex in your eyes. If this happens, rinse the eye immediately with water for 10 to 15 minutes, holding the eyelids apart and avoiding getting the rinse liquid in the other eye. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if irritation persists.
• Using Otex is not known to affect your ability to drive or use machinery. However, the build-up of earwax can cause dizziness, and this may be made worse by using the ear drops. If you are affected, do not drive or use machinery.