What is this medication for?
These ear drops consist of an anti-inflammatory
(hydrocortisone) and antiseptic (acetic acid) solution that is used to treat otitis externa or superficial infections of the ear canal caused by
certain bacteria or fungi. The combination of ingredients in this
medication may help to relieve the redness, itching, and swelling associated
with this condition.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Acetasol® is available as:
- ear drops
- acetic acid 2%/hydrocortisone 1%
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of hydrocortisone - acetic acid eardrops
is 3 to 5 drops in the affected ear(s) 3
or 4 times daily. Before using the ear drops, remove excess wax and debris
from the ear. For the first 24 hours of treatment, it is recommended that a
wick of cotton saturated with the ear drops be inserted into the ear canal.
Keep the wick moist by adding the daily dose of ear drops directly to the ear
canal. After the wick is removed (i.e., after 24 hours), continue to use 5
drops 3 or 4 times daily for as long as the doctor instructs. Avoid touching
the applicator tip to any surface in order to keep germs away from it.
Store this medication between 59-86°F. Protect from
freezing. Keep container airtight.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication
should not be used by anyone with:
- a
perforated eardrum
- a
sensitivity or allergy to any of the ingredients of the solution
- viral
infections such as herpes or varicella
