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Inserting eardrops safely
To insert eardrops:
- First, warm the drops to body temperature by rolling the container in your hands or placing it in your armpit for a few minutes. Inserting cold eardrops can cause ear pain and dizziness.
- Have the child lie down, with the affected ear facing up.
- Place drops inside the ear. Follow your doctor's instructions (or the directions on the label) for how many drops to use. Gently moving the outer ear will help the drops move down into the ear.
- You may find it easier to insert eardrops in a small child's ear by holding the child on your lap with the child's legs around your waist and your child's head down on your knees.
- It's important to keep the liquid in the ear canal for 3 to 5 minutes.
Current as of: February 27, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
