uses
What is acetic acid otic (ear) used for?Acetic acid otic is commonly used to treat an infection of the ear canal, called otitis externa (swimmer’s ear), that is usually caused by certain bacteria.Acetic acid otic may not be appropriate for the infection listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to acetic acid otic, which will make it not work as well.Acetic acid otic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does acetic acid otic work (mechanism of action)?Acetic acid kills certain types of bacteria by altering their cell membranes and reducing their ability to perform regular functions.How is acetic acid otic supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesAcetasolBorofairOrlexVosolDosage forms and strengths2% otic solution (ear drops)How should I store acetic acid otic?Acetic acid otic should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the container tightly closed.
how to use
ear drop
drug interactions
Does acetic acid otic interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between acetic acid otic and foods or drinks.There are no known interactions between acetic acid otic and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.Does acetic acid otic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?There are no known interactions between acetic acid otic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of acetic acid otic?The most common side effects of acetic acid otic are burning or stinging in the ear. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.There may be other side effects of acetic acid otic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of acetic acid otic?While less common, the most serious side effects of acetic acid otic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Acetic acid otic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using acetic acid otic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint pain
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much acetic acid otic?If you or someone else has used too much acetic acid otic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of acetic acid otic?If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.It is important to complete your prescribed course of acetic acid otic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to acetic acid otic or other similar medicines.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use acetic acid otic?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use acetic acid otic.Acetic acidAcetasolBorofairOrlexVosolAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific acetic acid otic products they stock.Eardrum Problems. You should not use acetic acid otic if you have a tear or a hole in your eardrum.What should I know about acetic acid otic before using it?Do not use acetic acid otic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share acetic acid otic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep acetic acid otic out of the reach of children.Acetic acid otic should only be applied in your ear. Your healthcare provider may tell you to use a piece of cotton, called a cotton wick, to apply this medicine. The cotton is soaked with the medicine and left in the ear for at least 24 hours. To keep the cotton wet, you may need to add three to five drops of the medicine every four to six hours. Ask your healthcare provider how long to use the cotton wick. Once you no longer need the wick, you will continue to place the drops directly into the ear for a certain amount of time.Try to keep your ear dry until the infection is gone. Be careful to not get water in your ear when bathing. Do not swim unless your healthcare provider has told you otherwise. The germs that cause swimmer’s ear like a wet area.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using acetic acid otic?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if acetic acid otic is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how acetic acid otic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding. It is not known if acetic acid otic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.Â
about
Acetic acid otic is an ear drop that is used to treat outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear). It kills certain types of bacteria by altering their cell membranes and reducing their ability to perform regular functions. The most common side effects are burning or stinging in the ear.