Acetic acid has antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Aluminum acetate helps to reduce itching, stinging, and inflammation that may be associated with an infection.

Together, acetic acid and aluminum acetate are used to treat ear infections.

Acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Use acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Do not use this medication in the eyes or take it by mouth. Acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic is intended for use in the ears only.

In general, acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic should be used as follows:

• If the drops have been stored in the refrigerator, warm the drops slightly by holding them in the hands for 1 or 2 minutes. Administration of cold drops into the ear may cause dizziness.

• Have another person administer the drops whenever possible. Have the affected person lie on their side or tilt the ear up to make administering a drop easier.

• For adults, hold the earlobe up and back. For children, hold the earlobe down and back. This will allow the drops to run into the ear canal. Carefully instill the prescribed number of drops in the first ear.

• Keep the ear tilted for five minutes to allow the medication to penetrate the ear.

• Repeat the process in the other ear if prescribed.

Use all of the medication that has been prescribed. Symptoms may begin to improve before the condition is completely treated. If you do not use all of the medication prescribed, the condition could return or worsen.

It is important to use acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic regularly to get the most benefit.

Notify your doctor if the condition does not improve or appears to worsen.

Store acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic at room temperature or in the refrigerator, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep the bottle properly capped. Do not allow the medication to freeze.

Do not use other ear drops during treatment with acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic without first talking to your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Ear infections may sometimes cause dizziness or a loss of balance. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities if you experience dizziness or a loss of balance.

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected or if the medication has been ingested.

Symptoms of a acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic overdose are not known.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Do not use this medication in the eyes or take it by mouth. Acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic is intended for use in the ears only.

Do not touch the dropper opening to any surface, including the ears or hands. The dropper opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause another infection in the ear.

Notify your doctor if the condition does not improve or appears to worsen.

Do not use acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic if the ear drum (tympanic membrane) has ruptured (broken). It may be dangerous for medicine to get into the inner ear. A ruptured ear drum usually causes a considerable amount of pain. A decrease in hearing may also occur. See your doctor if you suspect a ruptured ear drum. Your doctor will know if the ear drum is ruptured by looking into the ear with a special device (otoscope).

Do not use acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic without first talking to your doctor if you have had a previous allergic reaction to it or to another similar topical medication such as Burrow’s solution or Domeboro topical.

It is not known whether acetic acid and aluminum acetate will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic passes into breast milk. Do not use acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Your pharmacist has more information about acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic written for health professionals that you may read.

Acetic acid and aluminum acetate otic is available with a prescription under the brand names Domeboro Otic and Star-Otic. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.