Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) is an ear drop earwax removal aid. This medication is applied directly inside your ears to loosen and unclog built-up earwax. It's available over the counter as a generic and can be found in most pharmacies. Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) isn't known to cause many side effects if used as directed. But some people will hear soft, popping sounds as the medication softens earwax.
Helps soften, loosen, and remove built-up earwax
Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) works by releasing a chemical (hydrogen peroxide) and oxygen in your ear, which helps to soften and break up hardened earwax.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Little-to-no side effects
Available over the counter
Available as a lower-cost, generic
Might be difficult or messy for some people to administer
Not for people who recently had ear surgery or have a eardrum injury
Not meant for long-term use (longer than 4 days)
If you have a fever, ear pain, or fluids draining from your year, ask your provider if carbamide peroxide (Debrox) is safe for you. These might be symptoms of an ear infection and your provider might need to prescribe antibiotics or give you more medical attention.
Avoid putting the tip of the applicator inside your ear canal. This could cause damage to your inner ear. In addition, this could raise the risk of introducing bacteria inside the ear and causing an ear infection.
Make sure to treat one ear at a time. Treating both ears with carbamide peroxide (Debrox) at the same time makes it difficult for the ear drops to stay in your ear.
You don't need to flush your ears each time you use carbamide peroxide (Debrox). But you can flush your ears when you feel like the earwax is mostly gone and you just need to get rid of the remainder, or after you've used carbamide peroxide (Debrox) twice daily for 4 days.
When you're ready to flush your ears, use a soft rubber bulb ear syringe with warm distilled water or saline. Using cold water might cause the wax to harden again.
If your ears still feel plugged after using carbamide peroxide (Debrox) twice daily for 4 days, talk to your provider. They have other methods, such as suctioning, to help get rid of earwax that might be appropriate for you. In addition, they can check your ears to see if there is any other problem going on and give you more medical attention, if needed.
Store carbamide peroxide (Debrox) in a cool and dry place at room temperature in its original container with the cap on. Avoid leaving the bottle in direct sunlight. Don't put it in the refrigerator or the freezer.
Keep carbamide peroxide (Debrox) out of reach of children so that they don't accidentally take it. If your child took carbamide peroxide (Debrox), call your local Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
While carbamide peroxide is available in other forms, carbamide peroxide (Debrox) should only be used in your ears. Don't give this medication any other way. If you feel this isn't the best choice for you or if it's tricky for you to use the medication properly, ask your pharmacist or provider for other options.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
15ml of 6.5% | 1 ear dropper | $4.38 | $4.38 |
There are several manufacturers of carbamide peroxide 6.5% for earwax removal. Check the product label for instructions specific to your product.
In general:
Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is to place 5 to 10 drops into each ear canal twice daily as needed. Tilt the head to keep the ear drops in the ear for a few minutes. Use for up to four days or as directed by your provider.
Children younger than 12 years old: Ask your child's provider.
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2021). Clearcanal ear wax softener drops- carbamide peroxide solution/drops [package insert]. DailyMed.
Pei, D. N. (n.d.). Carbamide peroxide toxicity. Poison Control.
Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (n.d.). Debrox® Earwax Removal Aid.
PubChem. (n.d.). Carbamide peroxide: Mechanism of action.
Quest Products. (2023). Clinere ear wax remover- carbamide peroxide liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.