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Cerumen softener

Olive oil ear drops

Brand names: Earol, Otex (with peroxide)

Olive oil ear drops are a softening agent used to loosen and aid the removal of ear wax (cerumen) from the external ear canal.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

The oil lubricates and softens hardened ear wax, helping it to disperse or migrate out of the canal and easing subsequent removal if needed.

Prescribing in practice

  • It should not be used if the eardrum is known to be perforated or if there is ear discharge suggesting infection, without first seeking advice.
  • Warming the drops to body temperature before use reduces the chance of transient dizziness.
  • It is a wax-softening agent and does not treat ear infections.

Monitoring

No formal monitoring is required; review if wax-related symptoms such as hearing loss or discomfort persist after a reasonable period of use.

Counselling the patient

  • Lie with the treated ear uppermost for a short time after instilling the drops.
  • Do not use cotton buds, which can push wax further in.
  • Seek advice if you have ear pain, discharge, or a known hole in the eardrum.

Evidence & guidelines

Olive oil is recommended by NICE as a wax-softening option in the management of ear wax.

Reference: NICE NG98; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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