1. Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Ear Infection Quiz
3. Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic (Acetasol HC)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a ruptured ear drum. Tell your doctor if you have had any other ear infections or conditions before getting the condition for which you are now being treated. Hydrocortisone can make a pre-existing infection worse.

This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic on a child younger than 3 years old without a doctor's advice.

How should I use acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic (Acetasol HC)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Use this medicine only in the affected ear. You may not need to use it in both ears.

Use 3 to 5 drops of this medication in each affected ear every 4 to 6 hours, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

To use the ear drops, first remove the cap from the dropper bottle. Lie down or tilt your head with your ear facing upward. Pull back on your ear gently to open up the ear canal. Hold the dropper upside down over your ear canal and drop the correct number of ear drops into the ear.

Do not place the dropper tip into your ear, or allow the tip to touch any surface. It may become contaminated.

After using the ear drops, stay lying down or with your head tilted for at least 5 minutes. You may use a small piece of cotton ball to plug the ear and keep the medicine from draining out. Follow your doctor's instructions about the use of cotton.

Wipe the tip of the medicine bottle with a clean tissue. Do not wash the dropper tip.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse during the first 5 to 7 days of treatment with acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the medicine to freeze.

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