Debrox Drops Duration of Use
Debrox (carbamide peroxide) drops should be used twice daily for up to 4 days. 1
FDA-Approved Dosing Instructions
The FDA drug label for carbamide peroxide (Debrox) provides clear guidance for adults and children over 12 years of age 1:
- Place 5 to 10 drops into the affected ear 1
- Use twice daily 1
- Maximum duration: up to 4 days 1
- Keep drops in ear for several minutes by tilting head or placing cotton in the ear 1
If you need to use the drops for more than 4 days, stop and consult a doctor. 1 This is an important safety warning indicating that prolonged use beyond 4 days suggests the treatment is not working or there may be another underlying problem requiring medical evaluation 1.
Clinical Guideline Context
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines recommend cerumenolytic agents (like Debrox) be instilled once or twice daily for 3 to 5 days 2, which aligns closely with the FDA labeling. This duration allows adequate time for the carbamide peroxide to soften and disperse the earwax 2.
What to Do After 4 Days
After completing the 4-day course 1:
- Any remaining wax may be removed by gently flushing the ear with warm water using a soft rubber bulb ear syringe 1
- If excessive earwax remains after treatment, stop use and consult a doctor 1
- The most cost-effective protocol involves cerumenolytic use followed by self-irrigation at home 3
Critical Contraindications
Do not use Debrox if you have 1:
- Ear drainage or discharge 1
- Ear pain 1
- Irritation or rash in the ear 1
- Dizziness 1
- An injury or perforation (hole) of the eardrum 1
- Recently had ear surgery 1
These contraindications are absolute because carbamide peroxide can cause serious complications if it enters the middle ear through a perforated eardrum 2, 3.
Children Under 12 Years
Children under 12 years should consult a doctor before using Debrox 1, as cerumenolytics are not recommended for children under 3 years of age 2.
Common Pitfall to Avoid
The most common mistake is continuing to use the drops beyond 4 days without medical consultation 1. If the wax hasn't cleared after 4 days of proper use, this suggests either the impaction is too severe for drops alone, there's an underlying condition preventing clearance, or manual removal by a healthcare provider is needed 2, 3.