carbamide peroxide
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.
What is Carbamide peroxide (Debrox)?
What is Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) used for?
- Helps soften, loosen, and remove built-up earwax
How Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) works
Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) works by releasing a chemical (hydrogen peroxide) and oxygen in your ear, which helps to soften and break up hardened earwax.
Drug facts
Side effects of Carbamide peroxide (Debrox)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Hearing soft, "popping" sounds
The following Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Worsening ear pain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Carbamide peroxide (Debrox)
Pros
- Little-to-no side effects
- Available over the counter
- Available as a lower-cost, generic
Cons
- 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)
Pharmacist tips for Carbamide peroxide (Debrox)
- 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.
Common questions about Carbamide Peroxide
Before giving yourself Carbamide Peroxide, tilt your head sideways and place the tip of applicator over, but not into your ear canal. When you're ready, place 5 to 10 drops of Carbamide Peroxide into the affected ear. Keep the drops in your ear for several minutes by keeping your head tilted or placing a cotton ball in your ear. If needed, continue to use Carbamide Peroxide twice daily for up to 4 days. When you feel that your ears aren't clogged any longer, you can gently flush the ear with warm water using a soft rubber bulb ear syringe to remove any remaining earwax.
You can use Carbamide Peroxide twice daily for up to 4 days, or as directed by your provider. If your ears still feel plugged up after this time, contact your provider.
You shouldn't leave Carbamide Peroxide in your ear longer than several minutes (up to 10 minutes).
Carbamide Peroxide works by releasing oxygen when it makes contact with your ear. This oxygen-releasing action helps turn the liquid medication into foam. As the foam bubbles, it softens and loosens earwax. This allows the wax to drain out of your ear naturally.
Yes, some people might hear a crackling sound after they apply Carbamide Peroxide. This happens because the medication foams and releases oxygen when it comes into contact with earwax.
Not everyone will hear crackling sounds after using Carbamide Peroxide. If you don't hear those sounds, it could be because your ears are still very clogged and it's difficult for you to hear. But you can tell Carbamide Peroxide is working because you'll likely notice the earwax coming out of the affected ear(s) as the drops drain.
You might need to use Carbamide Peroxide several times before your ears become unclogged. You don't need to flush your ears each time you use Carbamide Peroxide. Typically, you can let the medication and earwax drain out on their own by tilting your head to the side. But once you feel like your ears are unclogged (this might be after the first use of Carbamide Peroxide or after several uses), you can flush your ears using lukewarm water to remove any remaining earwax. Don't use any Q-Tips or place other foreign objects inside the ear because doing so can cause damage to the ears.
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Risks and warnings for Carbamide peroxide (Debrox)
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.
For use in the ear only
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.
Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) dosage
Ear dropper| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15ml of 6.5% | 1 ear dropper | $5.47 | $5.47 |
Typical dosage for Carbamide peroxide (Debrox)
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.
How much does Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) cost?
$5.47
Carbamide peroxide (Debrox) images
