Carbamide Peroxide Otic (Ear): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2024)

FAQs

Is carbamide peroxide bad for ears? ›

You should not use carbamide peroxide if you have a hole in your ear drum (ruptured ear drum), or if you have any signs of ear infection or injury, such as pain, warmth, swelling, drainage, or bleeding.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

When you're ready, place 5 to 10 drops of carbamide peroxide (Debrox) into the affected ear. Keep the drops in your ear for several minutes by keeping your head tilted or placing a cotton ball in your ear. If needed, continue to use carbamide peroxide (Debrox) twice daily for up to 4 days.

Ear drops are generally safe when used properly. But you should never use ear drops if you have a ruptured eardrum. If your eardrum has a hole in it, the medication can get into your middle or inner ear and cause complications.

“Carbamide peroxide is commonly used in tooth whitening products because it is more stable than hydrogen peroxide and has a longer shelf life. It also breaks down more slowly, which means that it can be used for longer periods of time without causing irritation to the gums or teeth.”

Carbamide peroxide is generally considered safe. Since this compound breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, it is safe to swallow and usually does not cause harm. However, it is crucial always to use the correct dosage and application of carbamide peroxide to prevent side effects.

Allow it to bubble and fizz. Once you are used to the feeling the solution should be left to bubble and fizz in the ear for up to one minute at a time, although when you first use it you may only tolerate the feeling for a few seconds. Tip solution out onto a tissue.

Instead, soak a cotton ball and drip a few drops of plain water, a simple saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide into the ear with your head tilted so the opening of the ear is pointing up. Keep it in that position for a minute to allow gravity to pull the fluid down through the wax.

You should only flush your ear using lukewarm water when you have completed your treatment of Debrox® which should be once your ears are not longer clogged or after you have treated with 5-10 drops in the affected ear 2x/day for (4) consecutive days.

Using hydrogen peroxide can have negative effects such as inflammation and earaches. Hydrogen peroxide can also be dangerous for the skin in and around your ears. If you use it too often or use too much, you're at risk for developing irritation and blisters.

Why do I feel dizzy after cleaning my ears with peroxide? ›

"(If there is) a hole in the eardrum, the peroxide could potentially get into that space behind the eardrum and then cause them to have some dizziness or other potential problems," Powell said. If you do use hydrogen peroxide to remove earwax, it's also important to make sure you completely dry your ears afterwards.

Most OTC hydrogen peroxide solutions have a 3% concentration, while OTC ear drops contain about 6.5% carbamide peroxide, which contains hydrogen peroxide but also releases oxygen to soften the wax.

This can happen if the solution is left in the ear for too long or if the ear canal is already inflamed or irritated. This swelling can cause a feeling of blockage in the ears and may also lead to temporary hearing loss.

It falls out of the ear on its own. There are some people who produce much more earwax than others. For such people periodic ear cleaning may be needed. Earwax only needs to be removed from inside the ear if it causes symptoms.

Home users should follow product directions closely to avoid any irritation of tissues that carbamide peroxide might cause. Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are both common side effects. Anyone who chooses to use a home teeth-whitening kit should first consult with a dental healthcare provider.

Hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation and blistering. It can even cause burns at concentrations over 10%. Using too much hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin inside the ear, leading to inflammation and earaches. People should not use ear drops if they have an ear infection or a damaged eardrum.

Even though carbamide peroxide and the hydrogen peroxide generated in the whitening process are not proven carcinogens in the oral cavity, they cause local inflammation and mucosal trauma at high concentrations.