Is It Safe To Use Ear Drops With Benzocaine For Infants Below Two Years?

Posted on Mon, 2 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 2 Dec 2013 Answered on

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : is there a generic name for auralgan that may be covered by insurance?Also why is it OK to use ear drops with benzocaine after the age of 2 years and not before?I know that that there there can be a severe reaction to benzocaine (including preparations for teething pain) but are there any safe analgesic ear drops for infants below the age of 2 years?

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Auralgan contains antipyprine-benzocaine salt. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing in. As per your query i would like to tell you that auralgan is used for treatment of pain, stiffness & swelling in middle ear & remove ear wax.It contains antipyrine which is pain reliever & benzocaine which is numbing agent. It is also available under trade name of Aurodex, Auroto, A/B otic drops.You can check if its covered under insurance. Moreover benzocaine is contraindicated in children below 2 years because it may cause methemoglobinemia in which amount of oxygen carried through blood stream is reduced. Safe analgesic that can be given in children is wax cleaner that includes lignocaine & turpentine oil. You may visit ENT specialist for proper diagnosis & treatment plan. Hope I Answered your query Wishing you good health Regards Dr.Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad