If your ear drops are labeled a “suspension,” you should also shake the bottle for 10 seconds.
You may want do this in front of a mirror so that you can see what you are doing.
Remember that this step is only for adults and children over age 3. Visually examine the outside of the ear for any thick yellow or green discharge, cloudy white pus, or blood. If drainage is present, consult your doctor to determine if you should proceed with administering the drops.
The label of the ear drops should tell you how many drops you need. If you are using a dropper, fill it with medicine by squeezing the bulb while the dropper is still in the bottle. When you release the bulb, the dropper will fill with medicine. Squeeze the bulb again to apply the drops. If you are using an applicator bottle, just take off the cap and squeeze the body of the bottle to apply the medicine.
If you can’t keep your head tilted, you can plug the ear with a cotton ball. Keep the cotton ball in for 2-3 minutes.
If you are using the ear drops for an infection, make sure you use the full round of medication, even if you start feeling better.
Examine the ear for any unusual discharge before administering the drops. If you see any, wait to administer the drops and consult your doctor. They can determine if you should give the drops or not.
If your child is very young, they may squirm or cry. Try to soothe them by singing or talking to them as you give them the drops.
The child may hear squelching or crackling noises. Tell your child that these are normal.
Do not do this if you are using ear drops for an ear infection. You can get a bulb syringe at a drugstore or pharmacy. The water should drain out of your ear as you flush. If it does not, stop flushing and contact a doctor. Your doctor can flush the ears for you.
In some cases, you may be advised to throw out the ear drops 4 weeks after opening. Write the date you opened it on the bottle with a marker to help you remember. If you used the drops to treat an ear infection, you may just want to toss the bottle after you have completed treatment to prevent reinfection.
