Administering Ear Drops

Ear drops are topical medications for the ear. Administration of some ear drops can cause local irritation. Unless contraindicated, warm the ear drops to room temperature prior to administration to enhance client comfort and to minimise reactions.

Medications administered via ear drops include:

• antimicrobial and antifungal treatment
• anti-inflammatory
• steroid
• local anaesthetic and analgesia
• products to remove excess ear wax.

The use of an ear wick can improve the efficacy of some of these preparations. Use of gloves will depend on reason of administration.

CAUTION: If perforation of the eardrum is suspected, do not use eardrops.