Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesHow to UseSide EffectsContraindicationsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
How to Use
Side Effects
Contraindications
Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing how to use ear drops can help with clogged ears and other painful conditions. Ear drops are generally safe when used properly. They are available as eitherover-the-counter medicationsor as prescription drugs, depending on what they’re for. They can be used to treat ear problems that include:
This article looks at some common types of ear drops, how they’re used on people of different ages, possible side effects, and who shouldn’t use ear drops.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Uses and Types of Ear Drops
How to use ear drops will depend on the type. You’ll want to follow the instructions exactly. Some of the more common uses and types of ear drops include:
Corticosteroid ear drops also are available. They are used to treat ear inflammation.
Treating Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)
How to Use Ear Drops
Before using ear drops, give the product instructions a thorough read. If they’re not clear, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for directions.
Look over the list of possible side effects. Check the expiration date and throw away expired drops. Also, throw them out if they appear to be contaminated.
Always wash your hands with soap and water before using ear drops.
Temperature MattersEar drops are best used at room temperature. If they’re too cold or hot, they can make you feel dizzy and disoriented. Carry cold drops in your pants pocket for 30 minutes to bring up the temperature.
Temperature Matters
Ear drops are best used at room temperature. If they’re too cold or hot, they can make you feel dizzy and disoriented. Carry cold drops in your pants pocket for 30 minutes to bring up the temperature.
Usage in Adults and Teens
These instructions apply whether you’re alone or helping someone:
Usage in Children
The process can be harder for children, especially if they’re young or squeamish. If possible, try to have two adults present: one to keep the child still and one to put the drops in.
The procedure is slightly different because children’s ear canals are shorter and have a more horizontal angle.
To safely give them drops:
For an infant, try swaddling them to keep them still. Toddlers may need to be cradled with their arms and legs fully restrained.
It’s possible to give yourself ear drops but the angle of theauditory tube(ear canal) can make it tricky. A second set of hands can help. When giving ear drops to a child, a second adult may be necessary.
Hydrogen Peroxide in Ear: How Well Does It Work?
The ear is a delicate structure. It doesn’t always respond well to medications. If you have any abnormal reactions to the drops, call your healthcare provider.
This is especially true if you have an allergic reaction with:
While rare, it’s possible for some ear drops to trigger a severe allergic reaction known asanaphylaxis. The corticosteroidbetamethasone, for example, has been known to cause this reaction.If it’s not treated, anaphylaxis can lead to coma, shock, heart or lung failure, and even death.
Allergy WarningCall 911 or get emergency care if you develop these symptoms after using ear drops:RashHivesWheezingShortness of breathChest tightnessFacial swellingLightheadednessRapid heartbeat
Allergy Warning
Call 911 or get emergency care if you develop these symptoms after using ear drops:RashHivesWheezingShortness of breathChest tightnessFacial swellingLightheadednessRapid heartbeat
Call 911 or get emergency care if you develop these symptoms after using ear drops:
If you have aruptured eardrum, don’t use drops unless your healthcare provider says to. It can allow potentially damaging chemicals into the middle ear. This includes antibiotic ear drops for an infection.
Symptoms of a rupture are:
See your healthcare provider if you think an eardrum is ruptured. And don’t put anything in your ear until it’s been checked out. In most cases, the eardrum will repair itself within a matter of days.
Summary
Ear drops are common treatments for ear-related problems. You can give them to yourself but it may be easier with help.
When giving ear drops to a child, have two adults present if possible. That way, one can hold the child still while the other gives them the drops.
Read the instructions, check the expiration date, and wash your hands well before using the drops. Side effects, allergic reactions, and anaphylaxis are possible. Always get emergency medical care for a severe allergic reaction.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCarbamide peroxide drops are a water-based treatment commonly used to reduce ear wax buildup. These drops are generally safe and effective when used as directed, but check with your healthcare provider first. Do not use these or other ear drops if you have a ruptured eardrum or ear discharge.Learn MoreCauses and Treatment for Ear DrainageYes, but it depends on the type. Antibiotic drops are for bacterial infections, not viral or fungal infections. Fungal ear infections (otomycosis) require antifungal medications such as clotrimazole.Learn MoreFungal Ear InfectionsIn most cases, the drops will just run out of your ear, so it’s not cause for concern. With some drugs, like the antibiotic Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin), you should rinse the ear with water if you use too much.Relying too much on ear drops overall can lead to problems, too, so speak with your healthcare provider about their use.
Carbamide peroxide drops are a water-based treatment commonly used to reduce ear wax buildup. These drops are generally safe and effective when used as directed, but check with your healthcare provider first. Do not use these or other ear drops if you have a ruptured eardrum or ear discharge.Learn MoreCauses and Treatment for Ear Drainage
Carbamide peroxide drops are a water-based treatment commonly used to reduce ear wax buildup. These drops are generally safe and effective when used as directed, but check with your healthcare provider first. Do not use these or other ear drops if you have a ruptured eardrum or ear discharge.
Learn MoreCauses and Treatment for Ear Drainage
Yes, but it depends on the type. Antibiotic drops are for bacterial infections, not viral or fungal infections. Fungal ear infections (otomycosis) require antifungal medications such as clotrimazole.Learn MoreFungal Ear Infections
Yes, but it depends on the type. Antibiotic drops are for bacterial infections, not viral or fungal infections. Fungal ear infections (otomycosis) require antifungal medications such as clotrimazole.
Learn MoreFungal Ear Infections
In most cases, the drops will just run out of your ear, so it’s not cause for concern. With some drugs, like the antibiotic Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin), you should rinse the ear with water if you use too much.Relying too much on ear drops overall can lead to problems, too, so speak with your healthcare provider about their use.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Health Service.Betamethasone for eyes, ears and nose.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Ruptured eardrum.Aaron K, Cooper TE, Warner L, Burton MJ.Ear drops for the removal of ear wax.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;7(7):CD012171. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012171.pub2Haq M, Deshmukh P.Review of recurrent otomycosis and clotrimazole in its treatment.Cureus. 2022;14(10):e30098. doi:10.7759/cureus.30098NPS MedicineWise.Ciloxan 0.3% ear drops.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Health Service.Betamethasone for eyes, ears and nose.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Ruptured eardrum.Aaron K, Cooper TE, Warner L, Burton MJ.Ear drops for the removal of ear wax.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;7(7):CD012171. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012171.pub2Haq M, Deshmukh P.Review of recurrent otomycosis and clotrimazole in its treatment.Cureus. 2022;14(10):e30098. doi:10.7759/cureus.30098NPS MedicineWise.Ciloxan 0.3% ear drops.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Health Service.Betamethasone for eyes, ears and nose.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Ruptured eardrum.Aaron K, Cooper TE, Warner L, Burton MJ.Ear drops for the removal of ear wax.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;7(7):CD012171. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012171.pub2Haq M, Deshmukh P.Review of recurrent otomycosis and clotrimazole in its treatment.Cureus. 2022;14(10):e30098. doi:10.7759/cureus.30098NPS MedicineWise.Ciloxan 0.3% ear drops.
National Health Service.Betamethasone for eyes, ears and nose.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Ruptured eardrum.
Aaron K, Cooper TE, Warner L, Burton MJ.Ear drops for the removal of ear wax.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;7(7):CD012171. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012171.pub2
Haq M, Deshmukh P.Review of recurrent otomycosis and clotrimazole in its treatment.Cureus. 2022;14(10):e30098. doi:10.7759/cureus.30098
NPS MedicineWise.Ciloxan 0.3% ear drops.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
