Acetic acid: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What is acetic acid used for?

Acetic acid is a medicine to treat infections caused by fungi and bacteria, including infections of the outer ear canal (otitis externa). Acetic acid is a class of antibiotic drugs that work to reduce pain and swelling due to inflammation.

How do you use acetic acid?

Acetic acid is used by placing it on the part of the outer ear that has an infection, with the help of a cotton swab that has been previously dripped or soaked by the drug. Another way to use it can be done by putting a few drops of acetic acid medicine using a pipette to the outside of the ear.

This medication is usually used about 3-4 times a day, or follow the doctor's directions and the directions on the package. Don't forget, make sure you wash your hands and clean the target ear area first before using the acetic acid medication.

This medicine should only be used on the outside of the ear only. Avoid using it on the lips, nose, mouth, around the eyes, and on other parts of the skin that are not according to the instructions for use.

To prevent contamination, avoid touching the tip of the dropper or the infected ear directly by hand. If you are using a dropper, put the drops on your side while holding the ear lobe to make the process easier. Wait for about 2 minutes before straightening your body back up, until the medicine has completely seeped into the infected ear.

If you are using a cotton ball, leave the cotton in your ear for at least 24 hours, adding a few drops of the medication to the cotton swab every few hours.

How to store acetic acid?

Acetic acid is best stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and a damp place. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of acetic acid for adults?

The dose of acetic acid for adults is 3-4 times a day. You do this by dropping directly on the infected outer ear using a dropper.

Another way to use it can also be by dripping the drug on a clean cotton swab, then wiping it on the infected ear in the first 24 hours. Repeat with 3-5 drops of acetic acid on the cotton swab every 4-6 hours.

Consult your doctor to determine the best and safest dose for you.

What is the dose of acetic acid for children?

Acetic acid is not recommended for use by children under 3 years of age. Talk to your doctor about treating external ear infections in children.

In what dosages and preparations is acetic acid available?

Acetic acid is available in liquid form under a variety of different brands. This medicine can later be dropped directly on the ear, or dripped on a cotton swab before applying it to the ear.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of acetic acid?

There are several possible side effects of using this drug. Stop using this drug and consult your doctor immediately if you experience one or more side effects such as:

• Allergic reactions
• Burning feeling in the ear
• Rash or redness of the skin
• Itchy rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Headache
• Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat

These side effects don't always happen to everyone. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about possible side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist further.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using acetic acid?

Before using this drug, there are a number of things that need to be considered first.

This medicine contains glycerin or alcohol. Its use is not intended as a treatment for inner ear infections (otitis media).

Tell your doctor about other medicines that you are currently taking (including prescription, non-prescription, multivitamins, herbs, and herbal medicine) as well as any diseases that you are currently or have experienced before.

Also tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this drug, other drugs, or have any other types of allergies such as to food, dyes, preservatives, and animal allergies.

Don't forget, tell the doctor if you have or are experiencing earaches, hearing problems, or other diseases related to the hearing organs. Some health conditions may be more prone to side effects.

Is acetic acid safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Drug Interactions

What medicines should not be taken with acetic acid?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

If you take other drugs or over-the-counter products at the same time, the benefits these drugs provide may change. This can increase the risk of side effects or cause the medication to not work properly.

Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you use, so that your doctor can help you prevent possible drug interactions.

What foods and drinks should not be consumed when using acetic acid?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with acetic acid can also potentially cause interactions. Discuss using acetic acid with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor.

Are there certain health conditions that acetic acid should be avoided?

Your health conditions may affect the effects of using this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Avoid using acetic acid if you are at risk of allergies because of the ingredients in this medicine.

Overdose

What are the symptoms of an overdose of acetic acid and what are the effects?

An overdose of the ingredients in this drug can cause serious overdose symptoms that are life threatening. Therefore, never use acetic acid medication that exceeds the dosage on the package, or that has been recommended by your doctor and pharmacist.

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In an emergency or overdose situation, call 119 or rush to the nearest hospital.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember it after it's time for the next dose, just ignore the missed dose and continue using it as scheduled. Don't double doses.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.