Dichlorbenzene/ Arachis Oil/ Chlorbutol

Registered South African indications:

• Loosen wax buildup

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients 
• Otitis externa
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Eczema of outer ear
• Perforated ear drum

Cautions

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Peanut and soya allergy

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: dro

Wax occlusion or partial occlusion in external auditory meatus

• Otic (dro): 5 drops into affected ear, seal with moist cotten wool plug for 1 hour/overnight, 8-12hrly; Max duration: 3 days

Insert into ear 30mins prior to procedural removal, then gently syringe

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: dro

Wax occlusion or partial occlusion in external auditory meatus

• Otic (dro): 5 drops into affected ear, seal with moist cotten wool plug for 1 hour/overnight, 8-12hrly; Max duration: 3 days

Rarely required in children; warm, soapy water is preferred  

Pregnancy 

• FDA Pregnancy Category Not Rated (NR)

Breastfeeding

• Caution; no information available

Renal impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Hepatic impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Drugs in Sport

• Permitted - No warning

Skin and Subcutanous Tissue Disorders

• Local irritation
• Rash 
• Erythema

No information available

None routine

Dichlorbenzene/ Chlorbutol/ Arachis oil aids the removal of cerumen. This action is thought to be due to the loosening and lubricating properties of the solvent mixture. Arachis oil is used to aid lubrication of the cerumen plug. Chlorobutanol has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties,  but is mainly used to reduce the viscosity of the mixture. Dichlorobenzene is an insecticide also used mainly to reduce the viscosity.

Dichlorobenzene/ Chlorbutol/ Arachis oil is available in several formulations. Please note the list below gives examples of products which are available and is not necessarily comprehensive. The listing of a product does not constitute endorsement of the product by EMGuidance; likewise, failure to list a product does not imply that EMGuidance disapproves of the product. This information is put together on the basis of the National Government's Medicines Price Registry at the time of publication.

COMBINATION PREPARATIONS

Dichlorobenzene/ Chlorbutol/ Arachis oil

Ear drop (per 100ml) 2g/5g/57g

• Cerumol (Pharmafrica)