Page 88 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

02/11/2025, 00:10 Otic & Ophthalmic Disorders | Dermatological Disorders

This product is not FDA approved to treat excessive/impacted cerumen.

Docusate sodium
Docusate is a surfactant that is used off-labelled used water-based cerumenolytic.

Olive oil
Acts as a lubricant and moisturizer, softening hardened earwax. Either drops or sprays are not
recommended and are not FDA approved to treat excessive/impacted cerumen.

Cases of Referral:

Monitor for changes in your hearing and symptoms of infection such as pain and itching.

Patients should contact a primary care provider if:
symptoms persist after 4 days of use, OR

If adverse effects develop, including pain, rash, irritation, tenderness, redness, discharge, and dizziness.

If severe pain occurs or your hearing worsens, see a primary care provider immediately. Severe pain may
indicate a ruptured eardrum.

If the presence of infection is suspected.
Patients younger than 12 years of age with ear symptoms also should see a primary care provider.

Water-clogged Ears

What is it?

Water-clogged ears is a disorder defined as the retention of water within the EAC. Water can become trapped in
the ear, causing a sense of fullness or wetness.

What are symptoms?

This water retention can lead to hearing impairment, localized discomfort, or a sensation of fullness in the
ear canal.

Water-clogged ears should not be confused with otitis externa or swimmer's ear. Water-clogged ears is simply
water retention without inflammation or infection.

Pathophysiology of Water-Clogged Ears

A few specific host and environmental factors are recognized to contribute to the presence of excessive
moisture within the EAC.

Physical or anatomic changes within the EAC, such as excessive hair growth and canal narrowing, may lead
to wax or debris buildup, which can lead to moisture retention.

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