What is acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic)?
Acetic acid fights bacteria.
Hydrocortisone is a steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause
inflammation, redness, and swelling.
The combination of acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic is used to treat conditions inside
the ear, such as redness, itching, or swelling.
Acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a ruptured ear drum. Tell your
doctor if you have had any other ear infections or conditions before getting the condition for
which you are now being treated. Hydrocortisone can make a pre-existing infection worse.
This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use
this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic on a child younger than 3 years old
without a doctor's advice.
How should I take acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Use this medicine only in
the affected ear. You may not need to use it in both ears.
Use 3 to 5 drops of this medication in each affected ear every 4 to 6 hours, unless your
doctor has told you otherwise.
To use the ear drops, first remove the cap from the dropper bottle. Lie down or tilt your
head with your ear facing upward. Pull back on your ear gently to open up the ear canal. Hold
the dropper upside down over your ear canal and drop the correct number of ear drops into the
ear.
Do not place the dropper tip into your ear, or allow the tip to touch any surface. It
may become contaminated.
After using the ear drops, stay lying down or with your head tilted for at least 5 minutes.
You may use a small piece of cotton ball to plug the ear and keep the medicine from draining out.
Follow your doctor's instructions about the use of cotton.
Wipe the tip of the medicine bottle with a clean tissue. Do not wash the dropper tip.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse during the first 5 to
7 days of treatment with acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not
allow the medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose of acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic)?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic)?
Your pharmacist has information about acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
-
mild stinging, itching, burning, or irritation in the ear;
-
loss of appetite;
-
weight loss (especially in a child); or
-
weakness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a ruptured ear drum. Tell your
doctor if you have had any other ear infections or conditions before getting the condition for
which you are now being treated. Hydrocortisone can make a pre-existing infection worse.
Do not use acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic on a child younger than 3 years old
without a doctor's advice.
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts
or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
There may be other drugs that can affect acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic. Tell your
doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a
new medication without telling your doctor.
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have
used too much medicine, or if you have any of these
signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse during the first 5 to
7 days of treatment with acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic.
What should I avoid while taking acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic)?
This medicine is for use only in the ear. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes,
mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water.
Do not use other ear drops unless your doctor has prescribed them.
Do not give the medicine to another person, even if you think they have the same
skin condition you have. Do not use this medication for any ear condition that has not been
checked by your doctor.
What other drugs will affect acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic)?
There may be other drugs that can affect acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic. Tell your
doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a
new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic)?