What are Waxsol Ear Drops and what are they used for?

Waxsol Ear Drops 0.5% is a water-based solution designed to treat the build-up of wax in the ear(s). Having a build-up of ear wax can be annoying, uncomfortable and sometimes painful. When your ears become blocked your hearing may be affected causing sounds to become quieter and muffled or result in a ringing in your ears. Waxsol drops contain the active ingredient docusate sodium, which acts as a surface agent to clear the ear canal of waxy build-ups by softening and breaking it down.

Waxsol eardrops are manufactured by Mylan and are suitable for children and adults for use in one or both ears as required for up to 3 days. If after 3 days you have not noticed an improvement you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How do Waxsol eardrops work?

Waxsol ear drops, unlike traditional ear, drops that contain olive oil, contain the active ingredient docusate sodium. Docusate helps to treat ears blocked by hardened ear wax by penetrating the build-up of ear wax, making it softer so it can be removed naturally or making it easier to remove by flushing or stringing.

What is earwax?

Earwax is a natural secretion of the ear. It is produced by the ceruminous gland, which is located in the ear’s external auditory canal. This secretion mixes with excretions from the sebaceous glands, skin cells and hair to create a substance called cerumen. Cerumen is the technical name for earwax.

Earwax is designed to keep the ears clean, acting like a protective layer for the ear and eardrum, trapping dirt, bacteria and viruses as it travels from the middle ear to the outer ear. Once the wax has completed its journey to the outer ear, it is expelled by the body.

Sometimes excess wax can be produced, which often results in hearing difficulties and pain within the ear. Ear drops, such as Waxsol, help to soften the earwax, helping it to make its way out of the ear(s).

Alternatives to Waxsol Ear Drops

Alternative treatment options for clearing excessive ear wax at home include:

• Cerumol Olive Oil Ear Drops
• Otex Ear Drops

Sources

• Waxsol Ear Drops, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...