Uses of a Medicine Dropper

Medicine droppers are tools usually made from a long piece of glass or plastic with a flexible rubber handle that is used to suction liquids in and out of the device. Medicine droppers have other uses outside the medicine field and can be handy household items.

Medicine

The most obvious use for a medicine dropper is to dispense small amounts of medicine. Many medicine droppers have markings to help measure liquid, allowing the user to give an accurate dosage. Most medicine droppers have a capacity of 1 to 2 ml, making them ideal for administering medicine to infants and small children who don’t require large doses, according to the Mayo Clinic 2. They can also be used to deliver drops to the eyes due to the amount of control the user has over how much liquid gets released at a time.

Science

How to Use Only Water in My Nebulizer

Learn More

Scientists use medicine droppers in the laboratory to transfer liquids from one place to another, as well as to drop liquids into solutions or onto surfaces. As in medicine, the use of droppers helps a scientist measure exact amounts rather than pouring from whatever container the liquid is contained in, therefore allowing for accurate experiments and positive results.

Pets

Pets often have need for medicine, such as heartworm medicine or eyedrops. A medicine dropper can be a useful tool for administering this medicine in accurate measurements to ensure your pet’s health and safety.

Spills

Side Effects of Nebulizer Use

Learn More

Medicine droppers can come in handy if small amounts of potentially harmful liquids are spilled. For example, a medicine dropper can be used to help clean up a dropped thermometer that has released mercury, which can be harmful if handled, according to the Connecticut State Department of Health.

Crafts

For projects that require the precision placement of small drops of paint, a medicine dropper can be used to apply the paint in small amounts. However, the user must rinse the medicine dropper with hot water immediately in order to remove the paint before it dries, as it can clog the glass or plastic tubing, making it unusable.