Otic Medication Administration

Otic Medication Administration

• Otic medications should be applied directly into the ear.
• This helps to minimize systemic adverse effects.
• Common otic medications include:
  • Ofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin for infections
  • Hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and acetic acid for inflammation
  • Cerumenolytics, carbamide peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide to soften earwax

Nursing Interventions for Otic Medications

• Position the client on their side with the infected ear facing up.
• If the solution is cloudy it is important to shake the bottle to mix well.
• When administering ear drops, target different areas of the ear canal depending on age:
  • For children under 3 years old, pull the ear downward and back
  • For adults over 3 years old, pull the ear upward and back
• Hold the dropper 1 cm above the ear canal and instill the drops with your dominant hand.
• After instillation, have the client lie still on their side for a few minutes.
• Apply gentle pressure to the tragus of the ear.
• Keep the client in a side-lying position for 2-3 minutes after instillation.
• Use ear drops at room temperature to avoid discomfort.
• Cold drops can cause discomfort.

Proper Administration of Eye Drops

• Wipe the patient's eye from the inner canthus to the outer canthus.
• Pull the eyelid down to expose the lower conjunctiva.
• Instruct the patient to look up.
• Instill the medication on the lower conjunctival sac.
• Tell the patient to gently close their eye and allow it to move around.
• Occlude the lacrimal duct for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• This prevents systemic absorption (e.g., timolol maleate).
• For ointment, follow the same procedure (steps 1-3).
• Apply a thin ribbon of ointment from the inner canthus to the outer canthus.
• After instilling, gently close the eye and rub the lid in a circular motion to spread the ointment.
• Administer eye drops first, before eye ointment, and wait at least 5 minutes in between.