Phenazone, also known as antipyrene, is a painkiller (analgesic).
Pronunciation: fen-A-zone
What are phenazone’s uses?
Phenazone is used in the relief of pain, congestion and swelling caused by acute otitis media (middle ear infection). It is also used to remove earwax.
What dosage should you take?
For a middle ear infection, apply enough solution to fill affected ear canal every one to two hours or moisten cottonwool with the solution and place in the outer ear canal every one to two hours until pain is relieved.
For the removal of earwax, apply enough solution to fill affected ear canal three times a day for two to three days. Lie down with affected ear upward for 30 to 60 seconds so that solution can penetrate the ear. Follow your doctor’s instructions about how to safely remove the earwax.
However, always check the correct dosages with your Clicks pharmacist.
What special precautions should you take?
- To make sure the correct amount is inserted in the ear canal, ask another person to assist you. Avoid touching the ear with the dropper.
- Don’t rinse the dropper, and replace cap after use.
- Wash thoroughly with water should you accidentally get the solution in your eyes or nose.
- Only use this medication in the affected ear.
- Wash your hands before using this medicine.
- Avoid swimming during treatment.
- Ear infections may cause dizziness, so take care when driving or operating machinery.
- Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking this medication.
- It is not known if phenazone is passed into breast milk, so let your doctor know if you are breast-feeding.
Phenazone should be avoided if you suffer from the following conditions:
- Ruptured ear drum (hole/perforation in the ear drum)
- A phenazone or benzocaine allergy
What drug interactions could you experience?
As a rule, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take to ensure you don’t suffer the effects of adverse drug interactions.
What are phenazone’s side effects?
Side effects could include:
- Burning, stinging or redness in or around the ears
This is not a complete list of side effects. It’s essential that you call your doctor should you notice any severe or odd side effects.
What are the overdose symptoms?
Call a doctor immediately if large amounts have been consumed, and if you notice any new, unusual pain in the ear.