Ear drops

It's important to use the correct technique to get the most benefit from your ear drops. Ask your healthcare provider to show you.

A guide to using ear drops

• Gently shake the container.
• Warm the ear drops by holding the container in your hand for a few minutes. This is especially important if the ear drops have been stored in the fridge but don't warm the ear drops under hot water. If the medicine is too cold or hot it may hurt your ear.  
• Lie on your side or tilt your head to the side with the affected ear facing up.
• Gently pull your earlobe to straighten the ear canal.
• Put the correct number of drops in your ear. Gently massage the front of the ear.
• Stay on your side for a few minutes.
• If both ears are being treated, turn over and repeat after 5 minutes.
  
  

Video: How to use ear drops properly

(Apotex Inc., Canada, 2015)

Applying ear drops in babies and some children can be tricky, because they find it difficult to keep still. You may need help from another adult.

Guide for using ear drops in children

• Reassure your child that this may feel a bit uncomfortable but it won't hurt.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• For babies or small children, you can wrap them up in a blanket to keep them still.
• It's best if your child is lying down on their side with their head on a pillow, or have your child tilt their head to one side.
• Place the tip of the dropper gently just inside the ear hole. Gently squeeze the dropper into the ear to give the correct number of drops.
• Don't let the tip of the dropper touch the ear.
• Ask your child to lie on their side or keep their head tilted for a minute.
• If your child needs the drops in both ears, repeat in the other ear.
• Wipe the dropper with a clear tissue after each use and replace the cap.
• Wash your hands again.

Read more about how to give ear drops to children(external link).

Video: How to give ear drops


(Medicines for Children, UK, 2016)

• You don't need to store your ear drops in the fridge unless it says to on the label.
• Take care not to let the dropper tip of the container touch anything, including your ear.
• Don't try to clean inside your ear with cotton buds, they can damage and irritate the inflamed skin, and make things worse. Wipe the outside of your ear with a clean cloth or tissue if any discharge appears or medicine comes out.
• Ear drops are usually used for a short time only. Use them as directed on the label. Check with your healthcare provider how long to use them for.
• Ask your pharmacist about the expiration date and also check the expiration date on the label. If the drops have expired, throw them away. Don’t use expired ear drops, as they can be contaminated and cause infection.  
• Locarcorten-Vioform ® and Locorten-Vioform ® ear drops can stain skin and clothing. Use an old pillowcase or towel under your ear when putting your ear drops in.
• Ear drops may cause mild stinging, irritation and discomfort.
• Contact your healthcare provider if:
  • you experience severe pain and discomfort
  • your symptoms don’t improve or they get worse
  • you develop persistent ringing in your ears, hearing loss or loss of balance.