Acetic acid/hydrocortisone (Into the ear)

Acetic Acid (a-SEE-tik AS-id), Hydrocortisone (hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone)

Treats ear infections.

Brand Name(s):

Acetasol HC

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acetic acid or hydrocortisone, or if you have vaccinia (cowpox), chickenpox, or a punctured eardrum.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often to use it.
Use this medicine only in your ear.
Your doctor may insert a wick soaked with the medicine into your ear. Leave the wick in for as long as your doctor ordered. Add 3 to 5 drops of medicine to the wick every 4 to 6 hours. Your doctor may want you to continue to use the eardrops after you take the wick out.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Lie down or tilt your head to the side. For a child, gently pull the child's earlobe down and back to straighten the child's ear canal. For an adult, gently pull the earlobe up and back to straighten the ear canal.
Drop the prescribed number of drops into the ear. Keep the ear tilted up for a few minutes or put a cotton ball into your ear.
Remove the cap. Do not let the tip of the dropper touch anything, including your ear.
Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Keep the bottle closed when you are not using it. Store it at room temperature, away from light and heat. Do not freeze.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Ear pain, redness, or swelling that was not there before you used the medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Burning, itching, dryness in the ear

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017