What is Auralgan (antipyrine and benzocaine otic)?
Auralgan (antipyrine and benzocaine otic) is a combination of an analgesic and a topical anesthetic used to clean earwax (cerumen) from the ear canal and to treat the symptoms of middle ear infections (otitis media). It reduces pressure, congestion, inflammation, pain, and discomfort in the ear.
In 2015 the FDA asked manufacturers of Auralgan and all antipyrine and benzocaine otic products (other brand name: Aurodex) to stop selling these products because they have not been proven to be safe and effective.
Common side effects of Auralgan include:
- stinging in the ear,
- burning in the ear,
- and redness around the ear.
Serious side effects of Auralgan include:
- allergic reactions
- and methemoglobinemia.
There are no listed drug interactions of Auralgan.
The use of Auralgan by pregnant women has not been adequately evaluated. It is unknown if Auralgan is secreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Auralgan (antipyrine and benzocaine otic) side effects list for healthcare professionals
Common side effects include:
- Stinging in the ear
- Burning in the ear
- Redness around the ear
Possible serious side effects include:
- Allergic reactions
- Methemoglobinemia
Is Auralgan (antipyrine and benzocaine otic) safe to use in pregnant or breastfeeding women?
- The use of antipyrine/benzocaine by pregnant women has not been adequately evaluated.
- It is not known if antipyrine/benzocaine is secreted in breast milk.
Summary
Auralgan (antipyrine and benzocaine otic) is a combination of an analgesic and a topical anesthetic used to clean earwax (cerumen) from the ear canal and to treat the symptoms of middle ear infections (otitis media). It reduces pressure, congestion, inflammation, pain, and discomfort in the ear. Common side effects of Auralgan include stinging in the ear, burning in the ear, and redness around the ear. Serious side effects of Auralgan include allergic reactions and methemoglobinemia. There are no listed drug interactions of Auralgan. The use of Auralgan by pregnant women has not been adequately evaluated. It is unknown if Auralgan is secreted in breast milk. Auralgan was discontinued by the FDA in 2015.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Ear Infection Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Learn about the causes and symptoms of ear infections and how they are diagnosed and treated. Read about treatments such as ear...
-
Ear Infections: All About Ear Conditions
What's that? I can't hear you. Maybe it's tinnitus, or impacted ear wax, or cauliflower ear (yup, that's a thing). Find out what...
-
Ear Infection Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Is it possible to prevent ear infections? Take the Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Quiz to learn the risks, causes, symptoms and...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Inner Ear Infection
An inner ear infection or otitis interna is caused by viruses or bacteria and can occur in both adults and children. An inner ear infection can cause symptoms and signs, for example, a severe ear, dizziness, vertigo, nausea and vomiting, and vertigo. An inner ear infection also may cause inflammation of the inner ear or labyrinthitis. Inner ear infections are not contagious; however, the bacteria and viruses that cause the infection can be transmitted to other people. Good hygiene practices will help decrease the chances of the infection spreading to others. Inner ear infection symptoms and signs like ear pain and nausea may be relieved with home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Some inner ear infections will need to be treated and cured with antibiotics or prescription pain or antinausea medication.
-
Inner Ear Infection (Labyrinthitis)
Labyrinthitis occurs when there is inflammation of the part of the ear responsible for balance and hearing), usually due to viral infections of the inner ear. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment.
-
Ear Infection Home Treatment
Infections of the outer, middle, and inner ear usually are caused by viruses. Most outer (swimmer's ear) and middle ear (otitis media) infections can be treated at home with remedies like warm compresses for ear pain relief, tea tree, ginger, or garlic oil drops. Symptoms of an outer ear (swimmer's ear) and middle ear infection include mild to severe ear pain, pus draining from the ear, swelling and redness in the ear, and hearing problems. Middle and inner ear infections may cause fever, and balance problems. Inner ear infections also may cause nausea, vomiting, vertigo, ringing in the ear, and labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear). Most outer and middle ear infections do not need antibiotics. Inner ear infections should be treated by a doctor specializing in ear and hearing problems.
-
Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
A middle ear infection (otitis media) can cause earache, temporary hearing loss, and pus drainage from the ear. It is most common in babies, toddlers, and young children. Learn about causes and treatment.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.