AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question goodevening, i would like to asks you about the method in administering a opthalmic, otic, and nasal solutions. may you help me. thanks
-smiley-
Answer Dear Smiley
I have taken the relevant information from my textbook.
Ophthalmic
Action Rationale
Only use preparations marked for ophthalmic use. Ophthalmic preparations are made under sterile
conditions and are usually isotonic to the eye’s
contents.
Avoid touching the eyelid or other eye structures with Risk of contamination of infection from one eye to
dropper tip or ointment tube. Use medication only for the other is high.
the affected eye if the problem relates to infection.
Never allow a client to use another client’s preparation.
All eye preparations should be discarded within There is greater chance of contamination if the
1–4 weeks after opening. Some deteriorate more preparation is administered beyond this period.
rapidly and should not be used after 1 week from the
date of opening (e.g. corticosteroids, particularly
betamethasone and dexamethasone).
If any crusts or discharge are present along eyelid The presence of crusts and discharge promote
margins, remove by applying a wool swab dampened microorganism growth. Cleaning from inner to
with normal saline over the eye for a few minutes. outer canthus avoids entrance of microorganisms to
Wipe the eye clean from the inner to outer canthus the lacrimal duct.
(inner to outer corner).
To instil, gently pull lower lid down as client looks up. The cornea is rich with pain fibres and thus very
Place the eye drop or ointment in the lower sensitive.
conjunctival sac.
Advise the client to close and not to rub the eyes. Lack of movement of the eye following instillation
The client should also not blink for a short period allows for maximum absorption.
of time.
After administering eye drops, apply gentle pressure This action prevents the medication from being
for a few minutes to the bridge of the nose. drained away from the eye.
After insertion of ointment, the client is instructed to Ointments usually cause blurring for about
wait until vision clears before attempting to drive 15 minutes following insertion.
vehicles or undertake hazardous activities.
Do not use an eye drop preparation if it is discoloured This prevents possible damage to the eye.
or in some way changed since purchase.
Otic
Action Rationale
If cerumen or drainage occludes the outer part of Occlusion of the ear impedes normal sound
the ear canal, wipe it out gently with cotton-tipped conduction, harbours microorganisms and blocks
buds. Never force wax inwards through the ear canal. distribution of medication.
Instil ear drops at room temperature. Failure to instil drops at room temperature may cause
vertigo and nausea.
In children under the age of 3 years, the auricle of In older children and adults, the ear canal is longer
the ear is pulled down and back. In children over the and composed of underlying bone. Straightening the
age of 3 years and adults, the auricle is pulled up ear canal provides access to the internal ear
and back. structures.
The client should lie with the affected ear facing up To allow the medication to disperse and absorb.
for about 10 minutes.
Nasal solutions are easy as the are administrated by drops or sprays. There is nothing complicated here.
