Otex Ear Drops

Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you need more information or advice. You must contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve within a reasonable period.

1. What Otex is and what it is used for
2. Before you use Otex
3. How to use Otex
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Otex
6. Further information

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to urea hydrogen peroxide or any of the other ingredients of Otex listed in Section 6.
• if you have a history of ear problems, unless used under the close supervision of your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
• if you are also putting anything else in the ear (such as other ear drops or a hearing aid).
• if your ear drum is (or has been) damaged.
• if you suffer from dizziness.
• if there is anything else wrong with your ear - such as pain, swelling, discharge, infection or tinnitus (ringing sounds in the ear).
• if you have tried to remove the ear wax using fingernails, cotton buds or other implements. (This is because you might have damaged the delicate inner lining of the ear, leading to swelling or infection.) This could make it painful to use the ear drops.
• if you have had your ear syringed in the last 2 to 3 days – this could also make it painful to use the eardrops.

• Take care to avoid getting Otex in your eyes.
• If this happens, rinse the eye immediately with water for 10 to 15 minutes, holding the eyelids apart and avoiding getting the rinse liquid in the other eye.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if irritation persists.

• It is important not to use Otex at the same time you are putting anything else in the ear (such as other ear drops or a hearing aid).
• Otex is not known to affect, or to be affected by, any other kinds of medicines that you may be using.

Otex can be used during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. The ingredients have been in widespread use in this and similar preparations for many years, without reports of problems. However, safety trials have not been conducted.

Using this product is not known to affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

However, the build up of ear wax can cause dizziness, and this may be made worse by using the ear drops (see Section 4). If you are affected, do not drive or use machinery.

Repeat the following once or twice daily, normally for 3 to 4 days, until you notice an improvement in your hearing and less discomfort:

• Turn the cap anti-clockwise.
  (This will break the seal when you use the drops for the first time.)
• Remove the cap to reveal the applicator nozzle.
• Tilt your head and gently squeeze up to 5 drops into the ear.
• Keep your head tilted for a few minutes so that the drops stay in the ear.
• Then wipe away any surplus with a tissue.
• Repeat in the other ear, if necessary.
• Wash hands after use.
• Do not “plug” the ears with loose cotton wool.
• Always replace the cap after use and return the bottle to the carton.

Note that in some cases excessive ear wax may persist for more than 3 to 4 days, despite softening. If the wax is very hard, the ear drops alone may not be able to clear the ear canal. This may cause some temporary loss of hearing. In these cases you should consult your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for further advice.

Do not worry if you use too much Otex. Simply wipe away any surplus running from the ear with a tissue.

Do not worry if you occasionally forget to use Otex. When you remember, just carry on using this product once or twice daily as usual.

The active ingredient is urea hydrogen peroxide (5% w/w).

The other ingredients are 8-hydroxyquinoline and glycerol.

• The bottle contains 8ml of Otex ear drops. The plastic bottle is fitted with a dropper and screwcap.
• The product is a clear, straw coloured solution.