triethanolamine polypeptide oleate

Generic name: triethanolamine polypeptide oleate (otic) [ try-eth-an-OH-la-meen-pol-ee-PEP-tyd-OH-lee-ayt ]
Brand name: Cerumenex
Drug class: Cerumenolytics

What is triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic?

Triethanolamine polypeptide oleate is an emulsion that breaks down natural oils.

Triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic is used in the ear to break down and loosen earwax that has built up inside the ear canal.

Triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Avoid allowing this medication to get on the outside of your ear. After applying the ear drops, wipe away any excess liquid from the outside of your ear as quickly as possible. After flushing the ear, wash the outside of your ear with soap and water.

Do not leave this medication in your ear for longer than 30 minutes.

Stop using triethanolamine polypeptide oleate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe itching, burning, or irritation of the ear; or

• itching, crusting, or scaling of the skin around your ear.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic?

Do not use this medication if you have:

• a perforated (ruptured) ear drum; or

• an ear infection.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication in a child without a doctor's advice.

How should I use triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

Triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic is often used by your doctor just before an ear exam or other procedure.

To use the ear drops, first remove the cap from the dropper bottle. Lie down or tilt your head with your ear facing upward. Pull back on your ear gently to open up the ear canal. Hold the dropper upside down over your ear canal and place enough drops of the medicine in your ear to fill the ear canal.

Do not place the dropper tip into your ear, or allow the tip to touch any surface. It may become contaminated.

After using the ear drops, use a small piece of cotton to plug the ear and keep the medicine from draining out. Leave this cotton in place for at least 15 minutes. Wipe away the excess liquid from the outside of your ear as quickly as possible.

Do not leave this medication in your ear for longer than 30 minutes.

Remove the cotton from your ear and prepare a bulb syringe by filling it with warm water. Place the tip of the syringe into your ear and gently squeeze (do not squirt) the water into your ear. Lean over a sink with the ear downward so that the water and wax can drain out freely.

After drainage is complete, wash the outside of the ear with soap and water.

You may repeat this ear-flushing procedure if needed.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since triethanolamine polypeptide oleate is used as needed, you are unlikely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic?

Avoid allowing this medication to get on the outside of your ear. After applying the ear drops, wipe away any excess liquid from the outside of your ear as quickly as possible. After flushing the ear, wash the outside of your ear with soap and water.

While you are using triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic, do not use other ear drops or ear medications without your doctor's advice.

Triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using triethanolamine polypeptide oleate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe itching, burning, or irritation of the ear; or

• itching, crusting, or scaling of the skin around your ear.

Continue using triethanolamine polypeptide oleate and talk with your doctor if you have mild itching, burning, or ear pain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic?

There may be other drugs that can affect triethanolamine polypeptide oleate otic. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Further information

• Your pharmacist has more information about triethanolamine polypeptide oleate written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Triethanolamine polypeptide oleate is available with a prescription under the brand name Cerumenex. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01. Revision Date: 7/13/06 11:44:24 AM.