If you are unfamiliar with the various treatment options for earache then check out our self-help page. Remember to always discuss over-the-counter treatment with your local pharmacist so they can check if it is suitable for your condition and safe for you to take.
Earache is a common problem that is usually only caused by minor infection. It will often get better in a few days without treatment. Simple painkillers can help reduce the symptoms. You may need to consult your GP if your symptoms persist or worsen despite simple measures.
Pain relief
| Active ingredient | Brands |
|---|---|
ParacetamolThis is a simple painkiller with few side effects and is safe to take with most medication. |
Suitable for all ages: Calpol (liquid)Suitable for ages 6 and up: Anadin ParacetamolHedex Suitable for ages 10 and up: PanadolSuitable for ages 16 and up: Beechams Cold & Flu capsules/sachets |
IbuprofenThis medication reduces inflammation. You should take it with food as it can cause stomach pain and is best avoided if you have a history of stomach ulcers. |
Suitable for ages 3 months and up: Nurofen (liquid)Cuprofen (liquid) Calprofen (liquid) Suitable for ages 12 and up: Anadin ibuprofen |
AspirinThis medication reduces inflammation. You should take it with food as it can cause stomach pain and is best avoided if you have a history of stomach ulcers or take medication that thins your blood. |
Suitable for ages 16 and up: Alka-SeltzerAnadin Extra Anadin Disprin |
Co-codamol (codeine/paracetamol)These painkillers contain a combination of codeine and paracetamol and are suitable if your pain is not controlled by some of the simple painkillers listed above. The codeine may give you side effects such as drowsiness (which can affect driving), sickness or constipation. |
Suitable for ages 12 and up: Panadol UltraParacodol |
Dihydrocodeine/ParacetamolThese painkillers contain a combination of codeine and paracetamol and are suitable if your pain is not controlled by some of the simple painkillers listed above. The codeine may give you side effects such as drowsiness (which can affect driving), sickness or constipation. |
Suitable for ages 12 and up: Paramol |
Codeine/ibuprofenThese painkillers contain a combination of codeine and ibuprofen and are suitable if your pain is not controlled by some of the simple painkillers listed above. The codeine may give you side effects such as drowsiness (which can affect driving), sickness or constipation. |
Suitable for ages 12 and up: Nurofen PlusSolpadeine Max Solpadeine Plus Syndol |
Ear wax removal
Ear wax removal treatments should not be used on inflamed ears or if an ear drum is perforated.
| Treatments |
|---|
|
Earcalm spray Earex ear drops (contains almond oil and arachis oil) Earex Plus ear drops (contains choline salicylate and glycerol) Exterol ear drops (contains hydrogen peroxide 5%) Otex ear drops (contains hydrogen peroxide 5%) Olive oil ear drops Cerumol drops Molcer Ear Drops Soothol Earache Drops Waxsol Drops |