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Ear drop instructions

Acetic Acid Hydrocortisone Ear Drops Patient Instructions

These instructions are for compounded acetic acid and hydrocortisone otic ear drops used in some outer ear infection care plans. The dose, treatment length, and whether an ear wick is needed are set by your prescriber. Available by prescription only.

Put drops into the canal

The medication needs contact with the outer ear canal. Keep the treated ear facing up briefly after each dose.

Keep the tip clean

Avoid touching the dropper tip to the ear or any surface. Call before using the bottle if you think it may be contaminated.

Finish the schedule

Symptoms may settle before the full course is finished. Follow the label unless the prescriber changes the plan.

How to Use Each Dose

  1. 1Wash your hands before touching the bottle, dropper, or ear.
  2. 2Warm the bottle in your hand for a few minutes if the drops feel cold. Do not heat the bottle in hot water or a microwave.
  3. 3Lie down or tilt the head so the affected ear faces up.
  4. 4Gently pull the outer ear up and back for adults. For young children, ask the pharmacist or prescriber to show the right positioning.
  5. 5Place the prescribed number of drops into the ear without touching the dropper tip to the ear, fingers, hair, or skin.
  6. 6Stay with the treated ear facing up for a few minutes so the drops can move down the canal.
  7. 7Put the cap back on right away and store the bottle as directed on the label.

During Treatment

  • Use the drops for the full length of time written on the label unless the prescriber tells you to stop.
  • Keep the ear as dry as possible during treatment. Ask before swimming or using ear plugs.
  • Do not use cotton swabs inside the ear canal. They can push debris deeper or irritate the canal.
  • If an ear wick was placed by the prescriber, follow the clinic directions for keeping it moist and when it should be removed.
  • Do not share ear drops between people, even if symptoms look similar.

If You Miss a Dose

  • Use the missed dose when you remember.
  • If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to the regular schedule.
  • Do not put in extra drops to make up for a missed dose unless your prescriber told you to.

When to Call

  • Pain, redness, swelling, drainage, fever, dizziness, ringing, or hearing changes are getting worse.
  • The drops cause severe burning or pain that does not settle after a short time.
  • The eardrum may be perforated, there are tubes in the ear, or ear surgery has been done and the prescriber has not confirmed these drops are appropriate.
  • The liquid changes colour, looks contaminated, or the dropper tip touched the ear or another surface.
  • Symptoms are not improving after the timeframe your prescriber gave you.