Otex Ear Drops 8ml

Otex Ear Drops (urea hydrogen peroxide 5%) soften and help remove hardened ear wax, relieving that blocked, muffled feeling.

  • Releases oxygen to break up hardened ear wax
  • Up to 5 drops, once or twice a day for 3 to 4 days
  • A mild fizzing as it works is normal
  • Not for use with a perforated eardrum or grommets
  • From a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy

£5.39

Otex Ear Drops - urea hydrogen peroxide 5% ear wax removal drops

Otex Ear Drops soften and help clear hardened ear wax. The drops contain urea hydrogen peroxide 5%, which releases oxygen to break up a stubborn wax build-up over a few days – a simple way to relieve that blocked, muffled feeling in the ear.

What are Otex Ear Drops?

Otex is an ear wax treatment containing urea hydrogen peroxide 5% w/w. It is used as an aid to the removal of hardened ear wax, softening and breaking it up so it can clear more easily. It is available without a prescription from our GPhC-registered UK pharmacy.

Signs of ear wax build-up

Too much ear wax can cause a blocked or full feeling in the ear, muffled or reduced hearing, mild earache, itching, or sometimes ringing (tinnitus). Wax build-up is common and usually harmless, but sudden pain, discharge or hearing loss should be checked by a professional.

How to use Otex Ear Drops

  • Tilt your head and instil up to 5 drops into the affected ear.
  • Keep your head tilted for a few minutes so the drops stay in, then wipe away any surplus.
  • Repeat once or twice a day for at least 3 to 4 days.

Please read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before use.

Why do the drops fizz?

A mild, temporary fizzing or crackling is completely normal – it is oxygen being released as the drops work on the wax. It settles after a short time. Wipe the ear afterwards and stop if it becomes uncomfortable.

How does Otex work?

The urea hydrogen peroxide complex liberates oxygen, which physically breaks up the hardened wax, while the glycerol and urea in the drops soften it. Together this helps the wax loosen and clear.

Do you need your ears syringed afterwards?

Often the softened wax clears on its own. If it is stubborn, a nurse may irrigate (syringe) the ear after a few days of softening. Do not use Otex within 2 to 3 days of having your ears syringed.

Who should not use Otex?

Do not use Otex if your eardrum is, or might be, perforated or damaged, if you have grommets, or if you have an ear infection, discharge or inflammation. If you have a history of ear problems, use it only under medical advice, and check with your pharmacist before using it in a child.

Side effects of Otex

Otex is usually well tolerated. Occasionally it may cause mild irritation, itching or a brief stinging in the ear. Stop use and seek advice if you develop pain, a rash, discharge or worsening hearing.

Buy Otex Ear Drops online

Order Otex Ear Drops from Bury Healthcare Online, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy. Browse more in our ear care range.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If your ear stays blocked or painful, speak to your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.

Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: July 2026.

Otex FAQs

What are Otex Ear Drops used for?
Otex Ear Drops soften and help remove hardened ear wax. The active ingredient, urea hydrogen peroxide 5%, releases oxygen that breaks up the wax, while glycerol and urea help soften it so it can clear more easily.
How do you use Otex Ear Drops?
Tilt your head and put up to 5 drops into the affected ear, then keep your head tilted for a few minutes so the drops stay in; wipe away any surplus. Repeat once or twice a day for at least 3 to 4 days. Do not use in the ear for longer than 4 days at a time unless advised.
Why do Otex Ear Drops fizz or bubble?
A mild, temporary fizzing or crackling is normal – it is the oxygen being released as the drops break up the wax. It usually settles after a short time. If it is very uncomfortable, wipe the ear and stop if needed.
How long do Otex Ear Drops take to work?
Used once or twice daily, Otex usually softens hardened wax over about 3 to 4 days. If your ear still feels blocked after using it for a few days, speak to your pharmacist, nurse or doctor rather than continuing indefinitely.
Do you need to have your ears syringed after using Otex?
Not always. Softening the wax with Otex often lets it clear on its own. If wax is stubborn, a nurse may irrigate (syringe) the ear afterwards. Do not use Otex within 2–3 days of having your ears syringed.
Can you use Otex with a perforated eardrum or grommets?
No. Do not use Otex if your eardrum is, or may be, perforated or damaged, or if you have grommets. Also avoid it if you have an ear infection, discharge or inflammation. If you are unsure, check with your pharmacist or doctor first.
Are Otex Ear Drops safe for children?
Ear wax problems in children should be checked before treating. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice before using Otex in a child, and do not use it if there is any ear pain, discharge or a suspected infection.
What are the symptoms of ear wax build-up?
A build-up of wax can cause a blocked or full feeling in the ear, muffled or reduced hearing, mild earache, itching, or sometimes ringing (tinnitus). Sudden severe pain, discharge or hearing loss should be checked by a professional rather than self-treated.
Otex or olive oil for ear wax – which is better?
Olive or almond oil gently softens wax over a week or two and is very mild. Otex works more actively, releasing oxygen to break up hardened wax over a few days. For heavy or hardened wax many people find Otex quicker; for very sensitive ears a plain oil may be gentler.
What are the side effects of Otex?
Otex is usually well tolerated. Occasionally it can cause mild irritation, itching or a brief stinging in the ear. Stop use and seek advice if you get pain, a rash, discharge or your hearing worsens.

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