Acetic Acid

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 8/8/2023

Drug Summary

What Is Acetic Acid?

Acetic Acid Otic Solution is an antibiotic used to treat infections in the ear canal. Acetic Acid Otic Solution will not treat an inner ear infection (also called otitis media). Acetic Acid Otic Solution is available in generic form.

What Are Side Effects of Acetic Acid?

Acetic Acid may cause serious side effects including:

  • hives,
  • difficulty breathing,
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and
  • severe burning or irritation after using the ear drops

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Common side effects of Acetic Acid Otic Solution include temporary stinging or burning in the ear canal.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

  • Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
  • Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Acetic Acid

To promote continuous contact, insert a wick of cotton saturated with Acetic Acid Otic Solution into the ear canal as instructed by your doctor; the wick may be saturated after insertion. Keep the wick in for at least 24 hours and keep it moist by adding 3 to 5 drops of Acetic Acid Otic Solution every 4 to 6 hours. The wick may be removed after 24 hours but continue to instill 5 drops of Acetic Acid Otic Solution 3 or 4 times daily, as prescribed. In pediatric patients, 3 to 4 drops may be sufficient.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Acetic Acid?

Acetic Acid During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Other drugs may affect Acetic Acid Otic Solution. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Acetic Acid Otic Solution should be used only when prescribed. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Acetic Acid Otic Solution Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Description for Acetic Acid

Acetic Acid Otic Solution, USP is a solution of acetic acid (2%), in a propylene glycol vehicle containing propylene glycol diacetate (3%), benzethonium chloride (0.02%), sodium acetate (0.015%), and citric acid. The empirical formula for acetic acid is CH3COOH, with a molecular weight of 60.05. The structural formula is:

Acetic Acid Structural Formula Illustration

Acetic Acid Otic Solution is available as a nonaqueous otic solution buffered at pH 3 for use in the external ear canal.

Uses for Acetic Acid

For the treatment of superficial infections of the external auditory canal caused by organisms susceptible to the action of the antimicrobial.

Dosage for Acetic Acid

Carefully remove all cerumen and debris to allow Acetic Acid Otic Solution to contact infected surfaces directly. To promote continuous contact, insert a wick of cotton saturated with Acetic Acid Otic Solution into the ear canal; the wick may also be saturated after insertion. Instruct the patient to keep the wick in for at least 24 hours and to keep it moist by adding 3 to 5 drops of Acetic Acid Otic Solution every 4 to 6 hours. The wick may be removed after 24 hours but the patient should continue to instill 5 drops of Acetic Acid Otic Solution 3 or 4 times daily thereafter, for as long as indicated. In pediatric patients, 3 to 4 drops may be sufficient due to the smaller capacity of the ear canal.

HOW SUPPLIED

Acetic Acid Otic Solution, USP, containing 2% acetic acid, is available in 15 mL and 30 mL measured-drop, safety-tip plastic bottles.

Storage

Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep container tightly closed.

Manufactured by: VINTAGE PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC, Huntsville, AL 35811. 8180671 R3/05. FDA Rev date: 2/24/2005

Side Effects for Acetic Acid

Stinging or burning may be noted occasionally; local irritation has occurred very rarely.

Drug Interactions for Acetic Acid

No information provided.

Warnings for Acetic Acid

Discontinue promptly if sensitization or irritation occurs.

Precautions for Acetic Acid

Transient stinging or burning may be noted occasionally when the solution is first instilled into the acutely inflamed ear.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 3 years have not been established.

Overdose Information for Acetic Acid

No information provided.

Contraindications for Acetic Acid

Hypersensitivity to Acetic Acid Otic Solution or any of the ingredients. Perforated tympanic membrane is considered a contraindication to the use of any medication in the external ear canal.

Clinical Pharmacology for Acetic Acid

Acetic acid is antibacterial and antifungal; propylene glycol is hydrophilic and provides a low surface tension; benzethonium chloride is a surface active agent that promotes contact of the solution with tissues.

Patient Information for Acetic Acid

No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections.

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