Hydrocortisone/Acetic Acid, Otic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: corticosteroid; anti-inflammatory

Generic and brand names: hydrocortisone and acetic acid, otic; AA-HC Otic; Acetasol HC; Earsol-HC; VoSol HC Otic

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in your ear to treat infections and relieve irritation and swelling.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• an allergy to any medicine
• a perforated eardrum or other ear problem.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How should I use it?

Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. This medicine is for use in the ears only. Do not put this medicine in your mouth. Use it for as long as prescribed.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not touch the tip of the dropper to your ear or any other surface.

Lie on your side with the ear that needs the medicine up. For adults, hold the earlobe up and back. For children, hold the earlobe down and back. Put in the number of drops prescribed. Stay lying down for a minute or two, or put a clean cotton plug in the ear to keep the medicine from running out when you get up. After use, wipe the tip of the dropper with a clean tissue. Close the container tightly.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If it does get in your eyes, flush them with plenty of cool water.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve in a few days or if they get worse.

Do not use this medicine for any other condition unless your healthcare provider approves.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Common: Stinging, burning, or itching.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.