Ear drops are among the most commonly requested products in a pharmacy when someone has a blocked ear, a feeling of fullness, excess earwax, itching, water trapped in the ear after swimming, or mild discomfort in the outer ear canal. However, it is important to know that there is no single “best ear drop” for every ear problem.

Drops used to soften earwax are not the same as drops used for pain, irritation or suspected inflammation. Also, ear drops available without a prescription are different from antibiotic ear drops, which should be used only when recommended by a doctor.

Below we explain how to choose ear drops for earwax, blocked ears, mild discomfort, water in the ear and ear hygiene, when natural ear drops and olive oil-based products may be used, and when it is better to see a doctor instead of using drops at home.

Author: Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Operations Manager, Apotekarska ustanova “Alek”

When are ear drops used?

Ear drops are most often used for a blocked feeling, excess cerumen, itching, dryness, mild irritation or the feeling that water has remained in the ear after bathing, showering, swimming pools or the sea. In many cases, the cause is not a true infection, but accumulated earwax or irritation of the outer ear canal.

Cerumen, or earwax, has a protective role. A problem occurs when it builds up, hardens or blocks the ear canal. This can cause reduced hearing, a feeling of fullness, buzzing, itching and unpleasant pressure in the ear. In such situations, products for softening and easier removal of earwax are most often chosen.

Problem Which type of drops is usually chosen? Important note
Blocked ear due to earwax Drops or spray for softening cerumen Do not push cotton buds deep into the ear, as wax may be pushed further in.
Dryness and itching Oil-based or soothing drops for the ear canal Do not use if there is discharge, severe pain or suspected infection.
Water in the ear after swimming Products for protection and hygiene of the outer ear canal If pain, worsening itching or discharge appears, a medical examination is needed.
Mild discomfort Drops for ear care and comfort support If pain persists or worsens, do not delay a medical check-up.
Severe pain and suspected infection Do not choose antibiotic drops on your own A doctor’s advice is needed, especially in children, fever or ear discharge.

Ear drops without prescription – what is most often bought in a pharmacy?

When someone asks for “ear drops” in a pharmacy, they usually mean products available without a prescription. These are products for ear hygiene, softening earwax, blocked-ear feeling, mild discomfort, dryness or protection of the ear canal from water.

This group often includes products such as Vaxol ear spray, Otosan ear drops, Otines ear drops, Auridol ear drops, Burovax ear drops, Otol H ear drops and similar products. The product should be selected according to the symptom, not only by brand name.

If the goal is softening earwax, cerumen products are chosen. If the goal is protection from water during swimming, products for the outer ear canal and prevention of retained water are chosen. If there is pain, fever, discharge or sudden hearing loss, a pharmacist can help assess the situation, but a doctor’s examination is often needed.

Ear drops for earwax and blocked ear

One of the most common reasons for buying ear drops is a blocked ear due to earwax. Earwax is not dirt, but a natural protection of the ear. A problem occurs when it hardens, accumulates or forms a plug that blocks the ear canal.

In that situation, products for softening cerumen and ear hygiene may help. On the ApotekaOnline website, there is a dedicated category for ear cleaning products, where products intended for softening and removing excess earwax can be found.

With a blocked ear, it is not recommended to push cotton buds deep into the ear. This often pushes cerumen even deeper and may worsen the blockage. If blockage keeps returning, if pain appears or if drops do not help, it is best to see a doctor.

Natural ear drops and olive oil-based ear drops

Many customers look for natural ear drops, especially when the problem is mild: dryness, itching, a blocked feeling or accumulated earwax. This group often includes oil-based products, including olive oil-based ear drops.

Vaxol ear spray 10 ml is an example of a product often chosen for softening cerumen and caring for a dry ear canal. These products are not antibiotics and are not used as treatment for bacterial infection, but as support for hygiene and ear comfort.

Natural ear drops may be useful when the problem is mild and there are no warning symptoms. If there is severe pain, fever, ear discharge, sudden hearing loss or dizziness, natural drops are not enough and medical advice is needed.

Ear drops after swimming, the sea and retained water

After swimming, diving, pools or the sea, some people feel that water has remained in the ear. Sometimes this is only temporary discomfort, but if pain, itching, fullness and blockage appear, irritation of the outer ear canal may develop, often called “swimmer’s ear”.

For this purpose, products designed to protect the outer ear canal from retained water are available, such as Vaxol Swim ear spray 10 ml. These products are especially useful for people who swim or dive often, or feel that water remains in the ear.

If discomfort after swimming keeps returning, see also the related blog topic: Ear pain after swimming – infection or just water in the ear?

Vaxol, Otosan, Otines, Auridol, Burovax and Otol H – how to choose?

When choosing ear drops, the most important question is: why do you need the drops? Is the ear blocked because of wax, is there itching, is the problem water after swimming, is there pain, or is the user a child?

Product / group When is it usually considered? Pharmacist’s note
Vaxol ear spray For earwax, blocked ear feeling and dryness of the ear canal. Not a substitute for treatment of bacterial infection.
Otosan ear drops For ear canal hygiene, cerumen and blocked-ear feeling. Use caution if there is pain, discharge or suspected eardrum damage.
Otines ear drops Often requested for discomfort, pain or irritation. Before buying, check the intended use and suitable age.
Auridol ear drops For ear discomfort and milder ear canal problems. If pain lasts or worsens, an examination is needed.
Burovax ear drops For mild symptoms and ear canal care, according to product purpose. Do not use randomly in case of ear discharge or severe pain.
Otol H ear drops For certain outer ear canal problems, according to instructions and dispensing status. Before use, check whether medical advice or a prescription is required.

Ear drops for children and babies

Ear drops for children, and especially ear drops for babies, should be chosen more carefully than in adults. A child often cannot describe the symptom precisely, while in babies ear pain may appear as crying, irritability, poor sleep, refusal to feed or touching the ear.

In children, drops may be used for earwax or mild care only if they are suitable for the child’s age and there are no signs of a more serious infection. If a child has severe pain, fever, ear discharge, sudden weaker hearing or recurrent symptoms, an examination by a paediatrician or ENT specialist is needed.

In babies, ear drops should not be used without advice from a paediatrician or pharmacist. At this age, the threshold for medical examination is always lower, because ear infections can develop quickly and symptoms are not always clear.

What about antibiotic ear drops?

In addition to ear drops available without prescription, there are also antibiotic ear drops used only when a doctor assesses that there is a bacterial infection or inflammation requiring such treatment. This group includes products such as Cetraxal ear drops, Cetraxal Plus ear drops, dexamethasone-neomycin ear drops and other medicines often searched for because of ear pain or inflammation.

Important note: these are not ordinary ear drops for self-purchase. Antibiotic ear drops, including Cetraxal and Cetraxal Plus, should be used only with a doctor’s prescription and according to medical instructions. They should not be used “just in case”, nor should old drops left from previous treatment be reused, because ear pain does not always mean bacterial infection.

If there is severe pain, fever, ear discharge, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain in a child or suspected eardrum damage, a doctor should be consulted before using any drops.

When should ear drops not be used at home?

Ear drops should not be used independently in every situation. There are symptoms where medical examination is more important than choosing a product.

When should you seek medical advice?

See a doctor if there is severe ear pain, fever, discharge of fluid, pus or blood from the ear, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, ringing after injury, pain behind the ear, swelling around the ear, recurrent infections, pain in a baby or small child, or suspected eardrum perforation.

Extra caution is needed in people who have had ear surgery, ventilation tubes, chronic ear infections, diabetes or weakened immunity.

How to use ear drops correctly?

Correct use of ear drops helps the product reach the place where it needs to act. Before use, always read the instructions for the specific product and follow the advice of your pharmacist or doctor.

  1. Wash your hands before use.
  2. Check the expiry date and appearance of the product.
  3. Hold the bottle in your hand for a few minutes so the solution warms slightly.
  4. Tilt your head or lie on your side with the affected ear facing upward.
  5. In adults, the outer ear is usually gently pulled upward and backward.
  6. In small children, the outer ear is usually pulled slightly downward and backward.
  7. Apply the recommended number of drops.
  8. Stay in that position for a few minutes.
  9. Do not push cotton buds deep into the ear after applying drops.

If stronger pain, burning, dizziness, discharge or worsening hearing appears after use, stop using the product and seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Pharmacist’s advice

When choosing ear drops, the most important thing is to describe the symptom: is the ear blocked, does it hurt, is there discharge, did it start after swimming, is the user a child, and how long have the symptoms lasted? Based on this, a pharmacist can recommend an appropriate product for earwax, hygiene or mild care — or advise a medical examination.

If there is severe pain, fever, ear discharge, sudden hearing loss or ear pain in a baby, do not wait for “the drops to work”. In these situations, examination is the safer choice.

Professional advice: Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Operations Manager, Apotekarska ustanova “Alek”

Related shopping – ear drops and ear care

Need Category When is it useful?
Blocked ear, cerumen and hygiene Ear cleaning products For softening and removing excess earwax.
Wider ear care and ear problems Ear problems For products related to cleaning, protection, blocked ears, pain and ear care.
Water in the ear and swimmer’s ear Swimmer’s ear For symptoms after pools, sea, swimming or water retention.
Ear pain and discomfort Ear pain When there is discomfort, with caution if fever, discharge or severe pain are present.
Protection from water and noise Earplugs For swimming, noise protection, travel and sensitive ears.

Recommended ear products

Product When is it used?
Vaxol ear spray 10 ml For softening cerumen, caring for a dry ear canal and blocked-ear feeling due to earwax.
Vaxol Swim ear spray 10 ml For protecting the outer ear canal from retained water during swimming, bathing and diving.
Otosan ear drops For ear canal hygiene, softening earwax and blocked-ear feeling.
Otosan ear cone Traditional ear hygiene product; use according to instructions and with caution in case of symptoms.
Dolgit Med ear drops For outer ear canal discomfort, according to product purpose and with caution if stronger pain or discharge is present.
Otol H ear drops For certain outer ear canal problems; before use, check dispensing status and professional advice.

Related blog topics

Topic Why is it related?
Ear pain after swimming – infection or water in the ear? Related for people who have pain, itching or blocked-ear feeling after swimming or bathing.
Swimmer’s ear – how it develops and how it is treated Explains why ear symptoms are more common after pools, the sea and retained water.
Probiotic with antibiotics – when to take it? Useful when a doctor prescribes antibiotic therapy and microbiota support is needed.

Frequently asked questions about ear drops

Which ear drops can be bought without prescription?
Without prescription, products for softening earwax, ear hygiene, blocked-ear feeling, mild discomfort or dryness of the ear canal are most commonly available. This group includes Vaxol, Otosan and similar ear care and hygiene products.

What are the best ear drops for ear infection?
The best drops depend on the type of problem. If there is true infection, severe pain, fever, ear discharge or sudden hearing loss, a doctor’s examination is needed. For milder symptoms, a pharmacist can help choose an OTC product.

Can antibiotic ear drops be used in children?
They can be used only when prescribed by a doctor and when suitable for the child’s age and type of infection. Independent use of antibiotic ear drops in children is not recommended.

What is the difference between Cetraxal and Cetraxal Plus drops?
Cetraxal contains the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, while Cetraxal Plus contains ciprofloxacin and a corticosteroid component. Both products should be used only on medical advice and are not ordinary non-prescription ear drops.

Are there natural ear drops and when are they used?
Natural ear drops and oil-based products exist, most often for softening earwax, dryness and mild care of the ear canal. They are not a substitute for treatment in bacterial infection, severe pain or ear discharge.

How long are ear drops used for inflammation?
In inflammation, duration depends on the diagnosis and treatment prescribed by a doctor. For OTC earwax or hygiene drops, follow the product instructions and do not continue use if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

When should you see a doctor instead of using ear drops at home?
See a doctor in case of severe pain, fever, ear discharge, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain in a baby or small child, ear injury, suspected eardrum perforation or recurrent infections.