How to Administer Nose Drops to a Child

Before giving your child nose drops, be sure to read the medicine label thoroughly so you do not give him too much medication. It is also recommended that you explain to the child -- if he's old enough to understand -- what will occur as the medicine is delivered. He may experience an unpleasant taste in his mouth, because the nostrils are connected to the throat and some of the medicine may drain into his mouth. When you're finished with the medicine, store the drops in a cool, dry place away from children.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Warm water
• Facial tissue

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands with soap in warm water before administering the nose drops to your child.

• 2

  Tell the child to blow his nose before administering the medicine. Tilt his head backwards, supporting it with your hand or a pillow. You can also lay the child down and gently tilt his head backwards. If the child is young and may squirm, wrap him in a blanket or sheet to keep his arms and legs immobilized, or ask another adult to assist in holding him still.

• 3

  Squeeze the bottle or medicine dropper to deliver the medicine. Do not touch the dropper to the inside of the nostril, and only give as much medicine as prescribed.

• 4

  Keep the child's head tilted and have him gently sniff so that the medicine penetrates the nostril. Have the child breathe through his mouth for a few minutes, keeping his head tilted. Repeat for the other nostril if necessary and wipe away any excess mucus or medicine with a tissue.

• 5

  Wash your hands after finishing.