Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Earwax - Management
Ear drops for 3 to 5 days

Age from 6 months onwards
Sodium chloride 0.9% nose drops (for use in the ear): 3-4 times a day
Sodium chloride 0.9% nasal drops
Put 3 to 4 drops into the affected ear(s) 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 5 days.
Supply 10 ml.
Age: from 6 months onwards
NHS cost: £2.37
OTC cost: £4.17
Licensed use: no - off-label indication
Patient information: Allow the drops to warm to room temperature before use. It is important to put the drops into your ear carefully. Lie down on your side and fill the ear canal with the drops and wait for a few minutes before standing up.
Sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops: 3-4 times a day
Sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops
Put 3 to 4 drops into the affected ear(s) 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 5 days.
Supply 10 ml.
Age: from 6 months onwards
NHS cost: £1.25
OTC cost: £2.20
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Allow the drops to warm to room temperature before use. It is important to put the drops into your ear carefully. Lie down on your side and fill the ear canal with the drops and wait for a few minutes before standing up.
Almond oil ear drops: 3-4 times a day
Almond oil liquid
Put 3 to 4 drops into the affected ear(s) 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 5 days.
Supply 10 ml.
Age: from 6 months onwards
NHS cost: £0.61
OTC cost: £2.07
Licensed use: no
Patient information: Allow the drops to warm to room temperature before use. It is important to put the drops into your ear carefully. Lie down on your side and fill the ear canal with the drops and wait for a few minutes before standing up.
Olive oil ear drops: 3-4 times a day
Olive oil liquid
Put 3 to 4 drops into the affected ear(s) 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 5 days.
Supply 10 ml.
Age: from 6 months onwards
NHS cost: £0.07
OTC cost: £1.12
Licensed use: no
Patient information: Allow the drops to warm to room temperature before use. It is important to put the drops into your ear carefully. Lie down on your side and fill the ear canal with the drops and wait for a few minutes before standing up.

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement