Hydrocortisone-Acetic Acid

Pronounced

"a-SEE-tik acid w/ HYE-droe-KOR-ti-sone"

Uses

This combination medication is used to treat outer ear infections (such as swimmer's ear). This product contains 2 medications. Acetic acid works by stopping the growth of bacteria and fungus. Hydrocortisone is a steroid that helps to decrease the redness, swelling, and itching from the infection.

How to Use This Medication

Clean the ear and carefully remove all earwax and other substances from the outer ear. To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface.

To make sure that the right amount of medication is given, and to avoid touching the ear with the dropper, have another person insert the drops if possible. To lower the risk of dizziness, hold the container in your hand for a few minutes in order to warm it.

For at least the first 24 hours of treatment or as directed by your doctor, put a cotton plug soaked with the solution in the affected ear(s). You may put the cotton plug in your ear first and then apply the ear drops onto the cotton plug. Keep the plug moist by adding 3 to 5 drops of the medication as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 to 6 hours.

After removing the plug, continue to apply the medication directly into the ear as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times daily. Lie on your side or tilt the affected ear upward. Hold the dropper directly over the ear, and place the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal. To help the drops roll into the ear of an adult, hold the earlobe up and back. In children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted for about 2 minutes. Repeat for the other ear if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the cap after use.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Do not use this medication more often or longer than prescribed. Unnecessary use or misuse of this medication can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Do not use in the eye.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Copyright © 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2025.