How to Give Ear Drops
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Learn how to give your child ear drops with these step-by-step instructions:
- Wash both your hands and your child’s hands.
- Rub the medicine bottle between the palms of your hands or place in warm water to warm the drops.
- Feel a drop to make sure the drops aren’t too hot or too cold.
- Ask your child to lie down or sit with the affect ear facing up.
- Observe for any discharge (think yellow or green substance), pus (cloudy), or blood. If there is any, do not give the medicine to your child.
- If there is drainage (clear liquid) remove it with a clean tissue or cotton topped applicator. Do NOT clean any more than the outer ear.
- Place the wrist of the hand you will be using to give the medicine on the cheek or head.
- Place the dropper/nozzle above your child’s ear canal.
For Children under Age 3:
- Gently pull the outer flap of the affected ear DOWNWARD and backward to straighten the ear canal.
- Look for the ear canal to open.
For Children over Age 3:
- Gently pull the outer flap of the affected ear UPWARD and backward to straighten the ear canal.
- Look for the ear canal to open.
- Squeeze the dropper slowly and firmly to release the appropriate amount of medicine on the side of the ear canal.
- Ask your child to remain lying down for about 1-2 minutes so the medicine will be absorbed.
- Gently rub the skin in front of the ear to help the drug flow to the inside of the ear.
- Place a cotton ball in your child’s affected ear to avoid leakage of medicine. Replace the cotton ball each time the medicine is given. Avoid inserting q-tips into the ear.
- Rinse the dropper tip in water after each use before capping or returning it to the bottle.
- Replace the cap immediately after use.
- Wash your hands and note the time the medication was given.
- Last Updated
- 2/13/2013
- Source
- Adapted from Curriculum for Medication Administration in Early Education and Child Care Settings (Copyright © American Academy of Pediatrics 2012)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.