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Corticosteroids and Acetic Acid  (Otic)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • VoSol HC

In Canada—

  • VoSol HC

Another commonly used name for hydrocortisone is cortisol.

This information applies to the following corticosteroid and acetic acid combination medicines:
Hydrocortisone and Acetic Acid (hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone and a-SEE-tik AS-id)
‡  Generic name product may be available in the U.S.
§  Generic name product may be available in Canada
*  Not commercially available in the U.S.
†  Not commercially available in Canada

Category


Description

Corticosteroid ( kor-ti-koe-STE-roid) and acetic acid combinations are used to treat certain problems of the ear canal. They also help relieve the redness, itching, and swelling that may accompany these conditions.

These medicines may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Corticosteroid and acetic acid combinations are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:



Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For corticosteroids with acetic acid, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to corticosteroids or acetic acid. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as certain preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy—Corticosteroids have not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that corticosteroids cause birth defects. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding—Otic corticosteroid and acetic acid combinations pass into breast milk. Possible benefits of otic corticosteroid and acetic acid must be weighed against the potential hazards for the infant.

Children—There is no specific information comparing the use of otic corticosteroids in children under 3 years of age with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Although there is no specific information comparing the use of otic corticosteroids in the elderly with use in other age groups, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking a corticosteroid and acetic acid combination, it is especially important that your doctor know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of otic corticosteroids. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

To use:

To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, avoid touching the dropper or applicator tip to any surface as much as possible (including the ear). Also, always keep the container tightly closed.

For patients using hydrocortisone and acetic acid ear drops:

Do not use corticosteroids more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Do not use any leftover medicine for future ear problems without first checking with your doctor. This medicine should not be used if certain kinds of infections are present. To do so may make the infection worse.

Dosing—

The dose of otic corticosteroid and acetic acid combination will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of otic corticosteroid and acetic acid combination. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not stop treatment abruptly.

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

If your condition does not improve within 5 to 7 days, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.


Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. The following side effects usually do not need medical attention and may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine or your condition improves. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

There have not been any other side effects reported with this medicine. However, if you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.



Revised: 07/17/2000

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