ACETIC ACID W/HYDROCORTISONE - OTIC
(uh-SEET-ick acid WITH hi-dro-KOR-tih-sown)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S)
Acetasol HC, Vosol HC

USES
Acetic acid has antibacterial and antifungal action. Hydrocortisone reduces swelling and relieves pain and itching. This medication is used to treat certain infections of the outer ear and ear canal.

HOW TO USE
For best effects, this medication must be used as directed. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping this medication too soon may not clear the infection and could possibly result in a reinfection. Do not use this medication more often or continue to use it for longer than directed. Apply ear drops to the affected ear(s) as follows: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or let it touch your ear. If the medication has been refrigerated, hold the bottle in your hand for a few minutes to warm it. If the drops are a suspension (not a solution), shake well for 10 seconds before using. Lie on your side or tilt the affected ear up. Place dropper directly over the ear and administer the prescribed number of drops. To help the drops roll into the ear, in adults, hold the earlobe up and back and in children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted for about two minutes or insert a soft cotton plug if directed to do so. Do not rinse the dropper. This medication may be administered using an ear wick. The medication is applied to the ear wick which is then gently inserted into the ear as directed. Remove the wick and instill the prescribed number of drops (usually 5) 3 to 4 times a day as prescribed.

SIDE EFFECTS
This medication may temporarily sting or burn your ear for a minute or two when first applied. If this continues or becomes bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a skin rash, itching/burning/redness/swelling or pain in or around the ears. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor if you have: other infections, allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, especially: other ear drops. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

NOTES
If the condition for which this was prescribed does not improve or becomes worse after a few days, consult your doctor.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at controlled room temperature between 68 to 77 degrees F (20-25 C) away from heat and light. Discard this if the solution turns brown, cloudy or contains particles.