How to use ear drops for prescribed medication or wax softening

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Wash hands with soap and water

Gently clean your ear with a clean damp face cloth and dry your ear.
 

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Warm the drops to near body temperature by holding the container in your hand for a few minutes.

Check prescription /manufactures guidelines and expiry date. If drops are cloudy suspension, shake the bottle well for 10 seconds.

Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.
 

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Draw up medication in to dropper.

Tilt the head up or lie on side. Adult pull ear backwards and up to open ear canal or If child under 3 years backwards and down

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Place the required drops in ear. Gently massage as shown to encourage drops in to ear.

Keep Head tilted or if lying remain in this position for 5 minutes. 
Have tissue ready for any fluid remaining when head back in upright position.
Replace dropper /medication cap and wash hands. 

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.

About this information

Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)

Reference:
G/016

Approval date:
23 February 2026

Review date:
1 February 2029

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