Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner vs Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone
Scored head-to-head on every dimension — with a clear verdict and the best price on each.
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Our verdict: it's close — Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner edges ahead with a PawBench Score of 78 to 78. Both are genuinely good; pick Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone if enzymatic action (lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, lysozyme) — handles biofilm mechanical cleaners can't matters more to you.
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| Buy | ||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Quality 76 Ease of Use 76 Versatility 76 Value 65 Owner Satisfaction 91 | Quality 76 Ease of Use 76 Versatility 76 Value 65 Owner Satisfaction 93 |
| Buyer sentiment | Effectiveness Ear Cleaning Quality Scent Buyers praise effectiveness, ear cleaning, quality and scent. Based on 2,856 user mentions | Effectiveness Ear Relief Value for money Itching Relief Buyers praise effectiveness, ear relief, value for money and itching relief. Based on 20,421 user mentions |
| Active Ingredient | Salicylic acid, EDTA, chlorhexidine derivatives | LP3 enzyme system + 1% hydrocortisone |
| Volume | 8 oz bottle | 1.25 oz bottle |
| Application | Fill canal, massage base of ear 20s, let shake, wipe outer ear | Fill canal once daily, do not pre-clean; 7–14 day course |
| pH | Balanced (acidic, near 5.5) | Balanced for enzymatic activity |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
What owners actually say
Pros & cons
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner
Pros
- ✓pH-balanced, alcohol-free — won't sting inflamed canals
- ✓Mild antimicrobial action via salicylic acid and chlorhexidine derivatives
- ✓Vet-office benchmark — the cleaner Virbac sells to clinics worldwide
- ✓Anti-adhesive technology reduces bacterial biofilm in the canal
Cons
- ✗Pricier than drugstore alternatives
- ✗Not enzymatic — chronic recurrent otitis may need Zymox instead
Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution with 1% Hydrocortisone
Pros
- ✓Enzymatic action (lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, lysozyme) — handles biofilm mechanical cleaners can't
- ✓Backed by published veterinary dermatology literature for chronic otitis
- ✓1% hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and scratching
- ✓OTC alternative to vet-prescribed topical antibiotics for many uncomplicated cases
Cons
- ✗Do not clean the ear before use — the enzymes need cerumen to work on
- ✗Not for ruptured eardrums; vet exam first if there's discharge or head tilt