Sodium bicarbonate ear drops

About sodium bicarbonate ear drops

Earwax is naturally produced by your body to protect the skin inside your ear canal. The quantity produced varies between individuals, and sometimes it can build up and become hard and dry, causing hearing problems. Sodium bicarbonate ear drops are used to soften dry and hardened earwax. This reduces the need for wax to be physically removed, but also makes ear irrigation and micro-suction easier when removal is necessary.

You can buy sodium bicarbonate ear drops from pharmacies.

Before using sodium bicarbonate ear drops

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using the drops it is important that you speak with a doctor or pharmacist:

• If you have a burst (perforated) eardrum, or if you have recently had any ear surgery.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other ear drops.

• If you are using any other ear products. This includes any preparations which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use the ear drops

Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about using the drops.

1. Wash your hands before you begin.

2. Warm the drops to room temperature before using them. (Let the bottle stand in the room for about half an hour.)

3. Lie down, or tilt your head a little, so that the affected ear is facing upwards.

4. Gently pull your earlobe to straighten the ear canal.

5. Release 3-4 drops into your ear to fill the ear canal. Try not to touch the inside of your ear with the dropper as you do this. If the drops are for a child, only insert as many drops as are needed to fill the ear canal.

6. Keep your ear facing upwards for 5-10 minutes to keep the solution in your ear.

7. Repeat the process in your other ear if you have been asked to use the drops in both ears.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use the drops twice a day for 3-5 days. This is usually sufficient to soften the wax, but if your symptoms do not improve, make an appointment to see your doctor for further advice.

• Do not try to clean inside your ear with cotton buds. If you stick buds or other objects into your ear they can compact the wax and make matters worse. Just wipe the outside of your ear with a clean cloth or tissue if any wax comes out on its own. Flakes or crusts of earwax often fall out bit by bit. You may not notice the wax as it comes out of your ear.
  

Can sodium bicarbonate ear drops cause problems?

Sodium bicarbonate ear drops can sometimes cause dryness in your ear canal, but this is rarely troublesome. It is unlikely that you will experience any other side-effects but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if there is anything that concerns you.

How to store sodium bicarbonate ear drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• If there is any preparation left in the container after you have finished your course of treatment, do not keep it to use later. Ear drops should not be used if the bottle has been open for longer than four weeks.

Important information about all medicines