A wax-softening ear drop used to help break down hardened earwax and make it easier to clear naturally or remove during microsuction/ irrigation. It is useful for blocked ears caused by wax.
Active ingredient: Sodium bicarbonate BP 5% w/v / sodium hydrogen carbonate 5% w/v. Other ingredients purified water, glycerol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol as other ingredients.
How it works: Sodium bicarbonate is an earwax softener/cerumenolytic. It softens dry, hard wax so it can come out naturally, or makes microsuction/irrigation easier if removal is needed.
Indications: Hardened or impacted earwax; blocked-ear feeling caused by wax; pre-treatment before earwax removal by microsuction/ irrigation.
Age range: Often sold for adults, elderly and children, but many sodium bicarbonate ear drop products advise medical supervision in younger children, commonly under 5. For children, especially toddlers, it is safer to confirm with a pharmacist/GP/audiologist.
How to use: Warm bottle to room temperature. Tilt head/lie with affected ear upwards. Apply 3–4 drops into the ear. Keep ear facing upwards for 5–10 minutes. Use twice daily for 3–5 days; if not improved after 5 days, seek advice.
Warnings & precautions: Do not use if there is a perforated eardrum, recent ear surgery, active ear infection/discharge, severe pain, or allergy to ingredients unless advised. Do not insert cotton buds or objects into the canal. Sodium bicarbonate can sometimes cause dryness/irritation. Discard after opening period stated on the pack; Patient.info states ear drops should not be used if open longer than 4 weeks.
