Carbamide peroxide (otic)

Generic name: carbamide peroxide (otic) [ KAR-ba-mide-per-OX-ide-OH-tik ]
Brand names: Auraphene-B, Debrox, Ear Wax, Ear Wax Removal, Mollifene, ... show all 19 brands Murine Ear Drops, Auro Ear Drops, E-R-O, Carbamide Peroxide Otic, Carbamoxide, Oxy-Otic, X-Wax Earwax, E-R-O Ear Drops, Debrox Earwax Removal Kit, Ear Wax Remover, Ear Wax Removal Aid, ClearCanal, Clinere Earwax Removal Kit, Murine Ear Wax Removal System
Dosage form: otic solution (6.5%)
Drug class: Cerumenolytics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 5, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is carbamide peroxide?

Carbamide peroxide otic (for the ears) is used to soften and loosen ear wax, making it easier to remove.

Carbamide peroxide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Carbamide peroxide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Carbamide peroxide otic may cause serious side effects. Stop using carbamide peroxide otic and call your doctor at once if you have:

• dizziness; or

• new or worsening ear problems.

Common side effects of carbamide peroxide may include:

• a foaming or crackling sound in the ear after using the ear drops;

• temporary decrease in hearing after using the drops;

• mild feeling of fullness in the ear; or

• mild itching inside the ear.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use carbamide peroxide if you have a hole in your ear drum (ruptured ear drum), or if you have any signs of ear infection or injury, such as pain, warmth, swelling, drainage, or bleeding.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use carbamide peroxide otic if you are allergic to it, or if you have a hole in your ear drum (ruptured ear drum).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• recent ear surgery or injury;

• ear pain, itching, or other irritation;

• drainage, discharge, or bleeding from the ear; or

• warmth or swelling around the ear.

Carbamide peroxide otic should not be used on a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I use carbamide peroxide?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Carbamide peroxide otic comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Wash your hands before and after using carbamide peroxide.

To use the ear drops:

• Lie down or tilt your head with your ear facing upward. Open the ear canal by gently pulling your ear back, or pulling downward on the earlobe when giving this medicine to a child.

• Hold the dropper upside down over your ear and drop the correct number of drops into the ear.

• You may hear a bubbling sound inside your ear. This is caused by the foaming action of carbamide peroxide, which helps break up the wax inside your ear.

• Stay lying down or with your head tilted for at least 5 minutes. You may use a small piece of cotton to plug the ear and keep the medicine from draining out. Follow your doctor's instructions about the use of cotton.

• Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly in your ear. It may become contaminated. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue but do not wash with water or soap.

Carbamide peroxide may be packaged with a bulb syringe that is used to flush out your ear with water. To use the bulb syringe:

• Fill the syringe with warm water that is body temperature (no warmer than 98 degrees F). Do not use hot or cold water.

• Hold your head sideways with your ear over a sink or bowl. Gently pull your ear back to open the ear canal. Place the tip of the bulb syringe at the opening of your ear canal. Do not insert the tip into your ear.

• Squeeze the bulb syringe gently to release the water into your ear. Do not squirt the water with any force, or you could damage your ear drum.

• Remove the syringe and allow the water to drain from your ear into the sink or bowl.

Do not use carbamide peroxide for longer than 4 days in a row. Call your doctor if you still have excessive earwax after using this medicine, or if your symptoms get worse.

Clean the bulb syringe by filling it with plain water and emptying it several times. Do not use soap or other cleaning chemicals. Allow the syringe to air dry.

Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed and store it in the outer carton at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Carbamide peroxide dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Cerumen Removal:

5 to 10 drops of the solution instilled into the affected ear(s) 2 times daily for up to 4 days. The patient should remain in this position for several minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the ear. Cotton may be placed in the ear to lengthen the amount of time that the solution is in contact with the cerumen.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cerumen Removal:

<12 years: 1 to 5 drops (according to patient's size) of the solution instilled into the affected ear(s) 2 times daily for up to 4 days (non-FDA approved use). The patient should remain in this position for several minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the ear. Cotton may be placed in the ear to lengthen the amount of time that the solution is in contact with the cerumen.

12 to 18 years: 5 to 10 drops of the solution instilled into the affected ear(s) 2 times daily for up to 4 days. The patient should remain in this position for several minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the ear. Cotton may be placed in the ear to lengthen the amount of time that the solution is in contact with the cerumen.

Related/similar drugs

Debrox, Aurodex, Murine Earwax Removal

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since carbamide peroxide otic is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of carbamide peroxide otic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using carbamide peroxide?

Avoid getting carbamide peroxide in your eyes or mouth.

Do not use other ear drops unless your doctor has told you to.

What other drugs will affect carbamide peroxide?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on carbamide peroxide used in the ears. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01.