Ear drops are simple yet useful preparations for various ear conditions, such as:
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Softening ear wax impaction
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Treating ear infection
Such dosage form ensures the medication largely stays within the ear, thus maintaining its efficacy and minimizing side effects on other organs.
Examples of ear drop products
There are many ear drop products available in the market. You can buy some of them over-the-counter in a pharmacy, while some of them may require a doctor’s prescription. Here are some examples:
Sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops
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For softening and removing ear wax
Cerumol®
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Active ingredients: Arachis oil (peanut oil)
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For softening and removing ear wax
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Do not use if you are allergic to peanuts or soya
Image credit: Alpro One Click
Soluwax
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Active ingredients: docusate sodium 0.5%, methyl paraben 0.1% (preservative)
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For softening and removing ear wax
Image credit: Alpro One Click
Ofloxacin 0.3% ear drops
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Ear infections, such as otitis media and otitis externa
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Suggested dosing: (for adults only) 6-10 drops twice daily. Maintain in the ear for 10 min. Duration of treatment: 10-14 days.
Image credit: MIMS Malaysia
Chloramphenicol 5% ear/eye drops
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Ear infections
PS: Eye drops can be used as ear drops, but not all ear drops can be used as eye drops!
Image credit: MIMS Malaysia
How to use ear drops
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Wash your hands before using ear drops.
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If your ear drop is kept in the refrigerator, take it out from the refrigerator. Warm the drops to near body temperature by holding the container in the palm of your hand for a few minutes.
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Read the medication label. Use your ear drops according to your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions stated on the label.
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If the drops are cloudy, shake the bottle for 10 seconds to mix well.
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Unscrew the cap of the bottle.
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For bottles with an integrated dropper, check the dropper tip to make sure it is not chipped or cracked. Then, draw some liquid into the dropper.
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Lie on your side or tilt your head over so that the ear which needs the drops is facing upwards.
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If you’re administering the ear drops to a child, get the child to lie on the side whose affected ear is facing upwards, and pull the earlobe backwards and downwards.
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Pull your earlobe upwards and squeeze /drop the correct number of drops into the ear.
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Gently press on the small skin flap over the ear to help the drops to run into the ear canal.
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Keep your head tilted for about 5 minutes so that the drops can spread into the ear. Your pharmacist may also suggest placing a cotton wool pad or cotton plug in the ear but do not push it too far into the ear canal. This helps to keep the liquid in the ear.
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Straighten your head and wipe away any extra liquid. If you’re using the ear drops for loosening ear wax, the loosened wax usually comes out on its own.
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Replace the cap on the bottle.
If any of your ear condition still persists after using the ear drops, consult a doctor.
It’s also important that you follow the specific storage conditions of certain ear drops. Discard the unfinished ear drops after opening for the recommended duration.
All images credited to https://www.safemedication.com/how-to-use-medication/ear-drops
A word from DOC2US
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References
Cover image credit: British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Download this book for free at http://open.bccampus.ca, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
