acetic acid and hydrocortisone (otic) Health Article

How should I use 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?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic applied to the ears is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using 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 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.

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.