How to Use

Ear Drops Properly

(Having someone else give you the ear drops may make this procedure easier.)

1 5
Wash your hands Check the dropper tip to make sure
thoroughly with that it is not chipped or cracked.
soap and water.

6
Draw the medication into the dropper,
2 or hold the dropper-top bottle with the
Gently clean your ear with a damp
dropper tip down.
facecloth and then dry your ear.

3 7
Warm the drops Tilt the affected ear up or lie on your
to near body side. Pull the ear backward and
temperature upward (or if giving to a child younger
by holding the than 3 years of age, pull backward and
container in the downward) to open the ear canal.
palm of your hand
for a few minutes.

4
If the drops are a cloudy suspension,
shake the bottle well for 10 seconds.

Copyright 2014, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, displayed, modifi ed,
or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder. For permission, contact safemedication@ashp.org.
How to Use
Ear Drops Properly (continued)

8 10
Place the correct number of drops in Replace and tighten the cap or
your ear. Gently press on the small dropper right away.
skin flap over the ear to help the drops
to run into the ear canal.

11
Wash your hands
to remove any
medication.

9
Keep your ear tilted up for a few Remember
minutes or insert a soft cotton plug in • Follow directions carefully
your ear, whichever • Do not miss doses
method has been • Store medications out of reach of
recommended by children
your pharmacist
or doctor.

Copyright 2014, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, displayed, modifi ed,
or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder. For permission, contact safemedication@ashp.org.