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 his or her head down on your knees.
• It's important to keep the liquid in the ear canal for 3 to 5 minutes.