Otex Express Ear Drops for Wax Removal - 10ml

Product Summary

Otex Express Ear Drops contains urea hydrogen peroxide and glycerol to break hardened ear wax into pieces and soften it so that the wax can fall more easily from the ear.

Otex contains urea hydrogen peroxide, which reacts with moisture in the ear wax to release oxygen.

The bubbles of oxygen help to break up the wax, while the remaining urea and glycerol soften any hardened wax so it can be shed naturally from the ear.

Usage Instructions

Please read the enclosed leaflet carefully before use.

Use Otex only in the ears.

For adults, children and the elderly:

• Tilt head and gently squeeze up to 5 drops into the ear.
• Leave for a few minutes and then wipe away any surplus with a tissue.
• Wash hands after use.
• Repeat once or twice daily, if necessary, for approximately 3 to 4 days whilst symptoms clear (until you notice an improvement in your hearing and less discomfort).
• Always replace the cap after use and return the bottle to the carton.
• Discard 4 weeks after the first opening.

Ingredients

• The active ingredient of the ear drops is Urea hydrogen peroxide (5% w/w).
• Other ingredients: 8-hydroxyquinoline, glycerol

Warnings and Restrictions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding*

Otex can be used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The ingredients have been in widespread use in this and similar preparations for many years, without reports of problems. However, safety trials have not been conducted.

Driving and using machinery

• Using this product is not known to affect your ability to drive or use machinery.
• However, the build-up of ear wax can cause dizziness, and this may be made worse by using the ear drops (see Section 4 of information leaflet).
• If you are affected, do not drive or use machinery.

Do not use Otex:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to urea hydrogen peroxide or any of the other ingredients of Otex listed in the information leaflet.
• if you have a history of ear problems unless used under the close supervision of your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
• if you are putting anything else in the ear (such as other ear drops or a hearing aid).
• if your eardrum is (or has been) damaged.
• if you suffer from dizziness or sickness.
• if there is any other ear disorder (such as pain, discharge, inflammation, infection or tinnitus), or if anything else has been used in the ear.
• if you have tried to remove the ear wax using fingernails, cotton buds or other implements. This is because you might have damaged the delicate inner lining of the ear, leading to swelling or infection. This could make it painful to use the ear drops.
• if you have had your ear syringed in the last 2 to 3 days. This could also make it painful to use ear drops.

If irritation or pain occurs during use, or if symptoms persist, stop the treatment and consult your doctor.

In rare cases, painful episodes can occur, particularly if the ear's delicate inner lining has been damaged, broken, inflamed or infected.

If in doubt, or if there is any history of ear problems, seek medical advice before use.

Taking other medicines and using hearing aids

• It is important not to use Otex at the same time you are putting anything else in the ear (such as other ear drops or a hearing aid).
• Otex is not known to affect, or to be affected by, any other kinds of medicines that you may be using.

Storage

Keep away from eyes.

For external use only.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

How can I determine if I have earwax buildup before using Otex?

Symptoms indicating that you may have earwax buildup are muffled hearing, a blocked ear sensation, or mild discomfort. Others also hear a ringing sound (tinnitus) or mild dizziness. Alternatively, these symptoms may be caused by infection or other ear disease. If you're not sure whether earwax is the issue, it's safest to speak to a pharmacist or GP first before using ear drops. Don't guess or use drops "just in case" if you've had ear problems in the past. It's a quick trip that will check if wax is the issue and that you're using the right product safely. Never use Otex if your ear is painful, draining fluid, or if you have tried to clean it out with cotton buds or other items. They may have harmed the ear and made Otex pointless.

What should I do if the drops worsen or hurt my ears?

Otex works by breaking down earwax with bubbling activity, which sometimes can cause a tickly or mild fizzing sensation. But if you feel pain, stinging, or burning in your ear, stop using it at once. Pain could mean a perforated eardrum, infection, or irritation of the sensitive lining of the ear canal. Using Otex under these conditions could make the condition worse. Gently wipe away any remaining drops, don't put anything else in your ear, and seek the advice of a pharmacist or doctor. They can sense infection or damage and guide how to proceed. Do not rinse water into your ear, as this may also increase discomfort or the risk of infection.

Can I use Otex if I wear hearing aids or earbuds constantly?

If you listen to earbuds or wear hearing aids regularly, remove them prior to putting in Otex. A minimum of 30 minutes should pass before replacing if you have used drops. This allows the ear to catch its breath and prevents moisture from being trapped, potentially causing irritation or infection. Don't use Otex at the same time as other ear products or if you already have something in your ear. Earwax build-up may be more common for those who use hearing aids, and therefore, routine examination of your ears may be advisable. If you experience more feedback, discomfort, or poor sound quality from your hearing aids, it may be due to wax build-up—talk to an audiologist or pharmacist for guidance.

How long can I wait before using Otex again if my symptoms come back?

If your ears become blocked again after having used Otex and the symptoms come back, leave at least a few weeks before starting another course. Repeated use without breaks can cause the ear canal to become tender. If frequent wax buildup is a problem, consult your doctor or pharmacist about a long-term plan. You may be assisted by having periodic ear checks or other treatment. In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend ear irrigation or microsuction to remove the wax safely. Don't use Otex more than every few weeks unless a doctor tells you otherwise. Repeated treatment can cause more harm than good if administered regularly.

Can I prevent earwax from accumulating all the time?

Yes, it's simple steps you can take to prevent earwax from building up. Firstly, do not use cotton buds or any other instrument to clean your ears, as these are capable of pushing the wax further inside or damaging your ear canal. Always allow your ears to clean themselves naturally—wax will usually shift outward on its own. If you’re prone to wax build-up, ask a pharmacist about softer preventative drops or sprays that can be used occasionally to keep wax soft. Staying hydrated and avoiding very dusty environments may also help. People who wear hearing aids or earbuds regularly should clean them often and give their ears breaks when possible. Regular ear health checks can also help catch wax build-up before it causes symptoms.