To give eardrops to a 4-year-old child, what would be the best technique to use?

Introduction

Ear drops can be used to treat or prevent ear infections or to help remove earwax. Ear drops may be bought over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor. They’re typically used for short-term treatment.

No matter what kind of ear drops you use or why you use them, it’s important to administer them correctly. Using ear drops properly allows the medication to enter your ear canal and treat your ear problem. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to use ear drops properly and safely.

Along with your ear drops, you’ll need hand sanitizer or soap and water to clean your hands. You’ll also need some tissues or a towel to wipe away excess drops that drain out of your ear after applying the ear drops.

These instructions can help you put ear drops into your own ears. If you’re a parent or caregiver, follow the same steps to give drops to a child or another person. If you have trouble putting drops into your own ears, ask a family member or friend to follow these steps to help you.

Preparing

  1. Gather your supplies. These include the bottle of ear drops and a tissue or other cloth to wipe away any drips.
  2. Wash your hands with soap and water. If water is not available, use hand sanitizer instead.

Share on Pinterest

  • Warm the ear drops by holding the bottle in your hand for one to two minutes. This can help reduce any discomfort that could be caused by cold drops in your ear.
  • Remove the cap from the bottle. Place the cap of the bottle on a clean, dry surface.
  • For bottles with a dropper, check that the dropper is clean and not cracked or chipped.
  • Putting in the drops

    1. Position the head so that the ear faces upward. If you’re giving the drops to yourself, it may be easiest to sit or stand upright and tilt your head to the side. If you’re giving the drops to someone else, it may be easiest if the person tilts their head or lies down on their side.

    Share on Pinterest

  • If the bottle has a dropper, draw some liquid into the dropper. If the bottle has a dropper tip, you’ll just need to turn the bottle upside down.
  • For adults, gently pull the upper ear up and back. For children, gently pull the lower ear down and back. Squeeze the correct number of drops into the ear. Your doctor’s instructions or the bottle’s label will tell you how many drops to use.
  • Share on Pinterest

  • Gently pull the earlobe up and down to allow the drops to run into ear. Keep the head tilted for about two to five minutes so the drops can spread into the ear.
  • Wipe away any extra liquid with a tissue or clean cloth.
  • Put the cap back on the bottle.
  • Wash your hands to remove any medication.
  • Store the bottle as directed by the label or by your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Finishing up

    You should also know how long you can use the ear drops safely after opening the bottle. For prescription ear drops, ask your pharmacist or doctor about the expiration date. For over-the-counter drops, check the expiration date on the label. If the drops have expired, throw them away. Don’t use expired ear drops.

    To help your ear drops work well, follow these instructions and any directions from the label or your doctor or pharmacist. These steps should help you use your prescription or over-the-counter ear drops easily and safely. If you have any questions about using your ear drops, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    This page explains how to give your child ear drops or spray and how to look after these types of medicine.

    What to do

    1. Wash your hands.
    2. Get your child into any of these positions, with the ear you are treating facing upwards:
      • Tilt your child’s head back and to one side.
      • Lay your child flat on his or her back.
      • Ask someone to hold your child in a safe position as above.
      • Wrap your baby or young child in a light blanket or sheet to keep his or her arms and legs still.
    3. Shake the bottle or spray.
    4. Remove the top of the bottle or spray and throw away the plastic seal.
    5. Gently pull your child’s earlobe backwards to open up the ear canal.
    6. Put the prescribed amount of drops or spray into the ear canal.
    7. Keep your child in this position for a few minutes so the drops or spray can spread inside the ear.
    8. If your child needs drops or spray in the other ear, turn him or her over so that the other ear is facing upwards and repeat the above steps.
    9. Put the top back on the bottle or spray.

    Looking after your child’s ear drops or spray

    • Always check the expiry date of the medicine before giving it to your child.
    • Keep the bottle or spray tightly closed in a cool, dark place according to the label.
    • Read the instructions on the label and only use the drops or spray in the affected ear(s).
    • Ear drops or sprays should not be used longer than stated on the label. If you are giving your child ear drops or spray for a certain number of days, write the date you open the bottle on the label so you will know when to throw it away.
    • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

    If you have any questions about your child’s ear drops, please ask your family doctor (GP) or local community pharmacist.

    Compiled by:

    The Pharmacy department in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group.

    Last review date:

    April 2020

    When giving ear drops to a 4 year old child the ear pinna should pull?

    For children younger than 3 years, gently pull the outer ear down and toward the back of the head. For children older than 3 years, gently pull the outer ear up and toward the back of the head.

    Can you use ear drops on a 4 year old?

    The quick answer to your question is yes, ear drops are safe as long as your daughter's ear drum is intact and not ruptured. However, there are several things you should think about before using the ear drops.

    Which technique is the correct way to instill eardrops?

    Lie down with your affected ear facing up. Gently pull your ear back to help straighten the ear canal. Hold the dropper over the ear and squeeze out recommended drops (typically 4 to 5 drops of antibiotics per dose).