How long should you wait after administering ear medication before laying the patient down?

When administering ear medication, it is essential to allow sufficient time for the medication to effectively penetrate the ear canal and absorb. Waiting for 3-5 minutes after administration ensures that the medication has time to take effect and minimizes the risk of it draining out of the ear. During this period, the patient should ideally remain in an upright position or sit straight to facilitate proper absorption.

This time frame considers the viscosity and composition of ear medications, which might require a few minutes for optimal action. Additionally, waiting for this duration helps enhance the efficacy of the treatment being administered. Less than three minutes may not provide enough time for the medication to settle, while waiting significantly longer than five minutes may not provide additional benefits, therefore making the chosen answer suitable for ensuring the best therapeutic outcome.