urea hydrogen peroxide at a glance
Medicine class
Local oxygen-releasing cerumenolytic.
Licensed use
Aids removal of hardened earwax.
Who can use it
The selected product is licensed for adults, children and older people, subject to contraindications.
Administration
For use in the ear only.
What is urea hydrogen peroxide used for?
The selected product has one licensed use.
To aid removal of hardened earwax from the external ear canal.
How does urea hydrogen peroxide work?
It releases oxygen in the ear, helping disrupt hardened wax. Hydrogen peroxide has cerumenolytic activity, while urea and glycerol soften debris; urea also has a mild keratolytic effect.
How to take urea hydrogen peroxide
Use only in the ear. Tilt your head, apply the drops without touching or injuring the canal, keep the ear facing upwards briefly, then wipe away surplus. Wash your hands afterwards, replace the cap and do not plug the ear with loose cotton wool.
Keep the drops away from the eyes.
Do not insert cotton buds, fingernails or other objects into the ear.
Do not use another ear product or a hearing aid at the same time.
Store the bottle upright, capped and protected from sunlight.
urea hydrogen peroxide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Mild, temporary bubbling or effervescence as oxygen is released.
- Temporary discomfort, irritation, pain, dizziness, tinnitus or reduced hearing can occur or worsen as the drops affect impacted wax.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using the drops and obtain clinical advice if pain or irritation occurs, symptoms persist or worsen, or an unpleasant taste develops.
- Seek prompt assessment for sudden hearing loss, discharge, severe pain or significant dizziness.
urea hydrogen peroxide in pregnancy
No known adverse effects in pregnancy are reported. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber if you are uncertain whether the product is suitable.
urea hydrogen peroxide while breastfeeding
No known adverse effects during breastfeeding are reported. Seek clinical advice if there is pain, discharge, previous ear disease or possible eardrum damage.
urea hydrogen peroxide interactions
Systemic medicine interactions are not known. Avoid simultaneous use of products or devices in the ear.
Other ear drops or preparations
Do not use them at the same time because compatibility and combined local effects have not been established.
Hearing aids or other in-ear devices
Remove or avoid using the device while the drops are in the ear.
Common questions about urea hydrogen peroxide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can children use these ear drops?
The selected product is licensed for children, adults and older people, provided no contraindication applies.
Can I use them with a perforated eardrum?
No. Do not use them if the eardrum is known or suspected to be damaged.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.