How to Apply Ear Drops

Ear drops are a common treatment for ear infections or other ear discomforts. Using ear drops can help soothe ear pain and fight ear infection. There are several different kinds of ear drops. You can purchase sterile ear drop solutions that contain hydrogen peroxide which softens and removes ear wax, or there is an alcohol-based ear drop that helps to dry out the ear canal in order to treat "swimmer's ear". These types of ear drops can usually be purchased over-the-counter. Antibiotic ear drops are used to treat ear infections and can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. It is important to make sure that you are using the right kind of ear drops for your specific ear problem.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ear drops Sterile dropper/applicator Clean tissue or cloth Clean cotton balls

1. Open the ear drop bottle by breaking the safety seal. Do not use the solution if the safety seal is broken. Read dosage and other instructions contained on the box or prescription label.

2. Wash hands thoroughly. Stand in front of a mirror if applying ear drops yourself. If you are applying ear drops to someone else, it may help to have him lie down on his side.

3. Wipe out the ear canal with a moistened, sterile cotton ball. Shake the ear drop suspension well before application.

4. Tilt the head so that the infected ear is pointing up with the opening exposed. Rest on one side if another person is applying the ear drops.

5. Gently tug on the ear lobe so that the ear canal is opened slightly. This makes it a little easier for the liquid to travel inside the ear.

6. Hold the bottle or dropper downwards over the opening of the ear. Slowly drop the instructed amount into the ear canal. Hold the dropper away from the skin in order to avoid contaminating the liquid suspension. Wipe away excess drops around the ear and neck with a clean tissue or cloth.

7. Keep the head tilted down for a few minutes so that the liquid will spread and settle into the ear in order to treat the infected area.

8. Once the liquid has settled, you can move the head into the upright position.

9. Repeat Steps 1 to 8 for the other ear if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash hand thoroughly before and after using the ear drop medication. Do not touch the tip of the bottle or dropper; that could cause contamination. Remember to use the ear drops only on the prescribed schedule. You may want to clean the ear canal with a sterile cotton ball and water before applying the ear drops. It may be easier for someone else to apply the ear drops rather then doing it yourself.
• Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you accidentally use more than the prescribed dose. Some ear drops should not be used if the ear drum is perforated or damaged; make sure your doctor knows if you have had this problem. Once you have completed the treatment period, you should dispose of any leftover medication. Never share prescriptions with other people; this can cause serious infection or other problems. Keep all medications away from children and out of reach.

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