Ether pearls: What are they and what are they for?

What are ether pearls?

Ether beads aresoft gelatin capsules, inside which has a content of a chemical compound calledethyl ether (ethoxyethane) in a small portion, which are usedto treat certain specific conditions.

What are ether pearls for?

• Previously the ether pearl was used to treatcertainrespiratory diseasesand even a reducing effect was also attributed to it, but today its use is more directed as apowerful analgesic.
• It is used to treat:
  • As a local anesthetic:
    • Piercings of the earlobe.
    • Minor trauma or wounds in which there are no fractures.
  • Inflammation of the belly.
  • To extract gases from the body.
  • Ear pain.

Dosage and routes of administration of ether beads

The presentation of ether pearls in the countries where it is marketed, is usually inenvelopes containing three pearls. Its dosage will depend on the use that is given, being able to be the administration orally, topically or cutaneously, as follows:

• For ear pain: Release the contents of the ether bead into the ear.
• To remove air or gases trapped in the body: One pill or capsule of ether every 6 hours, not to exceed more than 4 in 24 hours with medical recommendation.
• In minor wounds or trauma and without fracture: Release the contents of the capsule into the affected area.

What products contain ether beads?

Some of the medicines that contain ethyl ether as the active ingredient in ether beads, such as morphine ethyl ether (codeine) combination are:

• Airacof®
• Codex®
• Dolocatil®
• Tussirex®

Airacof®

• Airacof® contains the combination of codeine and ibuprofen .
• This combination product is used to treat pain of mild to moderate intensity in children over 12 years of age. (1)

Codex®

• Codeisan® contains 1.26 mg of Codeine Phosphate and is presented in syrup.
• .

Dolocatil®

• Dolocatil® contains paracetamol and 30 mg codeine in tablets.
• This drug is indicated for pain of moderate intensity. (two)

Dolviran®

• Dolviran® is formulated with 400 mgacetylsalicylic acid, 9.6 mg Codeine phosphate hemihydrate and 50 mg caffeine.
• It is indicated for the symptomatic relief of infrequent mild or moderate pain.

Side Effects of Ether Pearls

The use of ether pearls can cause some of the following Adverse reactions in certain patients :

• Allergic reactions due to contact with any chemical component of the ether pearl.
• Vomiting .
• Nausea.
• Drowsiness.
• Halitosis.

Important: If you notice the appearance of any of these symptoms or any other not included in the list, stop taking it and consult your doctor.

Contraindications and warnings of ether pearls

The use of ether pearls is contraindicated in the following circumstances:

• Hypersensitivity to any of its components.
• During pregnancy or lactation .
• In pains of unknown origin.
• In older adult population.

You should know: Before starting treatment with ether pearls, provide all the information to your doctor about your health history. 

Avoid if you have:

• Medication with other drugs.
• Less than 40 days after the postpartum period.
• Serious injuries or fractures.

Warnings:

• This pharmaceutical product should not be combined with alcoholic beverages.
• Since there are no data on the handling of ether pearls in the pediatric population, administration to minors is not recommended.
• Keep this product away from heat sources.
• Keep out of reach of children.