hydrocortisone-acetic acid 1 %-2 % ear drops

Generic name:
Acetic acid w/hydrocortisone - otic

Pronunciation
(a-SEE-tik AS-id/HYE-droe-KOR-ti-sone)

Brand name(s)
Acetasol HC , Vosol HC

This combination medication is used to treat outer ear infections (such as swimmer's ear). This product contains 2 medications. Acetic acid works by stopping the growth of bacteria and fungus. Hydrocortisone is a steroid that helps to decrease the redness, swelling, and itching from the infection.

Clean the ear and carefully remove all earwax and other substances from the outer ear. To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface.

To make sure that the right amount of medication is given, and to avoid touching the ear with the dropper, have another person insert the drops if possible. To lower the risk of dizziness, hold the container in your hand for a few minutes in order to warm it.

For at least the first 24 hours of treatment or as directed by your doctor, put a cotton plug soaked with the solution in the affected ear(s). You may put the cotton plug in your ear first and then apply the ear drops onto the cotton plug. Keep the plug moist by adding 3 to 5 drops of the medication as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 to 6 hours.

After removing the plug, continue to apply the medication directly into the ear as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times daily. Lie on your side or tilt the affected ear upward. Hold the dropper directly over the ear, and place the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal. To help the drops roll into the ear of an adult, hold the earlobe up and back. In children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted for about 2 minutes. Repeat for the other ear if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the cap after use.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Do not use this medication more often or longer than prescribed. Unnecessary use or misuse of this medication can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Do not use in the eye.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Temporary stinging and burning may occur when the medication is first dropped into the ear. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• increased or new redness/swelling/pain in or around the ears

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to acetic acid or hydrocortisone; or to other corticosteroids (such as betamethasone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• hole in the eardrum (perforated tympanic membrane)
• certain viral infections (such as herpes simplex, vaccinia, chickenpox)
• ear injuries/surgeries

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

It is important to keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry. Try not to get the infected ear(s) wet when bathing. Avoid swimming unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.