Here are some instructions to help you use ear drops for your child.

• Read the label carefully before giving your child the medicine and make sure it's labeled for otic (for the ear) use.
• Before using the drops:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water. Dry with a clean towel.
  • If there is yellow or white pus or blood in the ear canal, talk to your health care provider to see if it's OK to give the drops. If it is, wipe the outside of the ear with a clean tissue. Do not put anything inside your child's ear canal to clean it.
  • Rub the medicine bottle between the palms of your hands or place it in warm water to warm up the drops if the medicine was stored in the refrigerator.
• To use the drops:
  • Have your child lie on their side with the ear that is getting the medicine facing up. 
  • If your child needs help staying still, have someone help you. 
  • Gently pull the outer ear outward and upward or downward until you can see clearly into the ear canal. Steady the hand holding the medicine dropper by placing your wrist on your child's cheek or head.
  • Put the correct number of drops into your child's ear canal without touching the dropper to any part of the ear.
  • Have your child stay on their side for 5 minutes and gently rub the skin in front of the ear to help the ear drops flow inside the ear canal.
  • Before your child gets up, gently place a cotton ball into the ear canal to prevent the medicine from leaking out.
  • Rinse the tip of the dropper with clean water and put the cap on the medicine bottle right away.
  • Wash your hands.
  • Safely store the medicine out of the reach of children.

• You have trouble giving your child the ear drops.
• Your child:
  • has new or worse ear pain 
  • has pus or blood coming from the ear
  • doesn't feel better after you've followed the health care provider's instructions