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Ear Drop Instructions
How To Give Ear Drops To Your Child:
Ear drops are commonly used by your doctor to treat ear infections or to loosen wax. It is very important that the drops are used properly if they are to work effectively. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully and for the prescribed length of time. Do not stop the medication before the prescribed time even if the symptoms end.
Symptoms from an ear infection may include fever, ear pain (pulling at the ears, head banging), ear drainage, hearing loss, or behavioral changes (increased irritability, fussiness, decreased feeding, bed wetting). If the symptoms continue or worsen for longer than 3 days after you begin to give your child the drops, call our office. If you are unable to give your child the drops please contact our office.
Instructions:
- If the drops were in the refrigerator, allow them to warm to room temperature (approx 20 minutes)
- If your child already has ear pain, you should give your child some pain medication (e.g. Tylenol®) 20 to 30 minutes before using the drops.
- Shake the bottle before use to mix the contents thoroughly.
- Check the expiration date. Do not use if the date has passed or the color has changed.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after administrating the drops.
- Have your child lie on his/her back with the affected ear facing you.
- Gently pull the outer rim of the ear back to straighten the ear canal before giving the drops.
- Avoid touching the ear or other surfaces with the dropper to avoid contamination.
- You may need an extra person to hold your child or you may need to wrap your child in a blanket to keep him/her still enough.
- After you administer the drops, gently pump the cartilage flap in front of the ear canal, then rotate the outer rim of ear clockwise to help the drops pass down the ear canal.
- Try to keep your child with the affected ear up for 2-3 minutes to allow the drops to soak in.
- Repeat these steps for the other ear if it is also infected.
- Call if you have any questions.
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