UsesAcetic acid is used to treat an outer ear infection (external otitis). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria and fungus. Treating the infection reduces pain and swelling in the ear. Wetness in the ear canal can help bacteria and fungus to grow. This medication may also contain drying ingredients such as glycerin or alcohol. Drying of the ear canal helps to cure the infection. Use this medication in the affected ear(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times daily. Use in the ear only. Do not use in the eyes, swallow, inject, or inhale the medication. Before giving this medication, thoroughly clean the ear canal as directed, and remove any crust or other material. Then wash your hands. To make sure that the right amount of medication is given, and to avoid touching the ear with the dropper, have another person insert the drops if possible. To lower the risk of dizziness, hold the container in your hand for a few minutes in order to warm it. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface. Lie on your side or tilt the affected ear upward. Hold the dropper directly over the ear, and place the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal. To help the drops roll into the ear of an adult, hold the earlobe up and back. In children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted for about 2 minutes, or insert a piece of cotton if your doctor directs you to do so to keep the medication in contact with your ear canal. Repeat for the other ear if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the cap after use. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping this medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your ear symptoms persist, worsen, or return after stopping this medication. Avoid contact with the eyes. If you get some of the medication in the eye, rinse the eye with a steady, gentle stream of tap water for at least 15 minutes. Tell your doctor if the eye becomes persistently irritated or your vision is decreased. Side EffectsTemporary stinging/burning in the ear canal may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new pain, redness, swelling in or around the ears. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the ear/face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. PrecautionsBefore using acetic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Though the risks are probably small, discuss the use of this medication with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. InteractionsThe effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk for serious medication problems. Does Ear Drops interact with other drugs you are taking? Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checkerOverdoseOverdose with this medication is unlikely even if swallowed. However, if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Notes Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another ear problem unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case. For certain ear problems, it is important to keep the affected ear(s) clean and dry. Try not to get the affected ear(s) wet when bathing. Avoid swimming unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Consult your doctor for more details. Missed Dose If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. Storage Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Ear drops can treat many ear problems, including:
It's possible to give yourself ear drops but the angle of the auditory tube (ear canal) can make it tricky. A second set of hands can help. When giving ear drops to a child, a second adult may be necessary. This article looks at some common types of ear drops, how they're used on people of different ages, possible side effects, and who shouldn't use ear drops. Some of the more common uses and types of ear drops include:
Before using ear drops, give the product instructions a thorough read. If they're not clear, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for directions. Look over the list of possible side effects. Check the expiration date and throw away expired drops. Also, throw them out if they appear contaminated. Always wash your hands with soap and water before using ear drops.
Ear drops are best used at room temperature. If they're too cold or hot, they can make you feel dizzy and disoriented. Carry cold drops in your pants pocket for 30 minutes to bring up the temperature. These instructions apply whether you're alone or helping someone:
The process can be harder in children, especially if they're young or squeamish. If possible, try to have two adults present: one to keep the child still and one to put the drops in. The procedure is slightly different because children's ear canals are shorter and have a more horizontal angle. To safely give them drops:
For an infant, try swaddling them to keep them still. Toddlers may need to be cradled with their arms and legs fully restrained. The ear is a delicate structure. It doesn't always respond well to medications. If you have any abnormal reactions to the drops, call your healthcare provider. This is especially true if you have an allergic reaction with:
While rare, it's possible for ear drops to trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to coma, shock, heart or lung failure, and even death.
Call 911 or get emergency care if you develop these symptoms after using ear drops:
If you have a ruptured eardrum, don't use drops unless your healthcare provider says to. It can allow potentially damaging chemicals into the middle ear. This includes antibiotic ear drops for an infection. Symptoms of a rupture are:
See your healthcare provider if you think an eardrum is ruptured. And don't put anything in your ear until it's been checked out. In most cases, the eardrum will repair itself within a matter of days. Ear drops are common treatments for ear-related problems. You can give them to yourself but it may be easier with help. When giving ear drops to a child, have two adults present if possible. That way, one can hold the child still while the other gives them the drops.
Read the instructions, check the expiration date, and wash your hands well before using the drops. Side effects, allergic reactions, and anaphylaxis are possible. Always get emergency medical care for a severe allergic reaction. Frequently Asked Questions
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