What medication is used to soften earwax?
Dec 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
To soften earwax, use sodium bicarbonate ear drops, phenol glycerin ear drops, or ofloxacin ear drops. Sodium bicarbonate ear drops are alkaline, while cerumen impaction is acidic; therefore, sodium bicarbonate ear drops can neutralize and soften earwax. Phenol glycerin ear drops improve the consistency of earwax, helping to soften it. When earwax is particularly hard and removal might cause pain, ofloxacin ear drops can be used to soften the secretion and facilitate safe removal.
Earwax can be softened using sodium bicarbonate ear drops, phenol glycerin ear drops, ofloxacin ear drops, etc.
1. Sodium Bicarbonate Ear Drops
The main ingredients of sodium bicarbonate ear drops are sodium bicarbonate and glycerin. This is an alkaline medication that has a neutralizing effect. Cerumen impaction is usually caused by excessive ear secretions, which are generally acidic in nature. Therefore, sodium bicarbonate ear drops can neutralize and soften earwax, facilitating its removal.
2. Phenol Glycerin Ear Drops
Phenol glycerin ear drops have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, primarily used to treat conditions such as external otitis, otitis media, and non-perforated tympanic membrane inflammation. After use, they can also improve the consistency of earwax, softening it for easier and more comfortable removal.
3. Ofloxacin Ear Drops
The main ingredient of ofloxacin ear drops is ofloxacin, which is clinically used to treat external otitis, tympanitis, and otitis media caused by susceptible bacteria, providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. If earwax is found to be particularly hard during removal, this medication is often used to soften the wax into a paste-like consistency, reducing pain during clearance and aiding in its extraction.
