Vosol 2% Otic Solution 15ml (ear)
It is used to treat ear infections.
Drug Class
Otic anti-infective
Pharmacologic Class
Acidifying agent; Antibacterial; Antifungal
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Acetic acid otic solution is an ear drop used to treat ear infections, often called 'swimmer's ear'. It works by making the ear canal more acidic, which helps to stop the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause the infection.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication Correctly
To use this medication effectively, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Continue using the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve. This medication is for ear use only.
Administration Instructions
1. Wash your hands before and after using the medication.
2. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
3. For children 3 years of age and older, and adults, gently pull the outer ear outward and upward.
4. For children younger than 3 years of age, gently pull the outer ear outward and downward.
5. Place the drops in your ear without touching the dropper to the ear.
6. Remain on your side for 2 minutes or insert a cotton plug into your ear.
If your doctor has instructed you to use a cotton wick to administer the medication, follow their specific guidance.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature with the lid tightly closed. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposal, consult your pharmacist. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or use extra doses.
To use this medication effectively, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Continue using the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve. This medication is for ear use only.
Administration Instructions
1. Wash your hands before and after using the medication.
2. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
3. For children 3 years of age and older, and adults, gently pull the outer ear outward and upward.
4. For children younger than 3 years of age, gently pull the outer ear outward and downward.
5. Place the drops in your ear without touching the dropper to the ear.
6. Remain on your side for 2 minutes or insert a cotton plug into your ear.
If your doctor has instructed you to use a cotton wick to administer the medication, follow their specific guidance.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature with the lid tightly closed. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposal, consult your pharmacist. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or use extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Keep the ear dry during treatment; avoid swimming or getting water in the ear.
- Use earplugs when showering or bathing.
- Do not insert cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal.
- Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Instill 4-5 drops into the affected ear(s) 3-4 times daily
Dose Range:
4 - 5 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
otitisExterna:
Instill 4-5 drops into the affected ear(s) 3-4 times daily for 7-10 days, or until infection is cleared.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Instill 3-4 drops into the affected ear(s) 3-4 times daily (consult pediatrician)
Child:
Instill 4-5 drops into the affected ear(s) 3-4 times daily
Adolescent:
Instill 4-5 drops into the affected ear(s) 3-4 times daily
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Dialysis:
No adjustment needed
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Acetic acid is an acidifying agent that lowers the pH of the ear canal, creating an unfavorable environment for the growth of most bacteria and fungi commonly associated with otitis externa. It also has mild astringent and antiseptic properties.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Minimal systemic absorption
Tmax:
Not applicable (local action)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (local action)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (local action)
CnssPenetration:
No
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (local action)
Clearance:
Not applicable (local action)
ExcretionRoute:
Not applicable (local action)
Unchanged:
Not applicable (local action)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Rapid (local pH change)
PeakEffect:
Within minutes (local pH change)
DurationOfAction:
Hours (until pH normalizes or reapplication)
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Ear irritation
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you encounter any of the following side effects, or if you have any other concerns, contact your doctor for advice:
- Burning or stinging sensations
Important Note: This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice regarding side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Ear irritation
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you encounter any of the following side effects, or if you have any other concerns, contact your doctor for advice:
- Burning or stinging sensations
Important Note: This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice regarding side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Worsening ear pain or discharge
- Fever
- Rash or swelling spreading beyond the ear
- New or worsening hearing loss
- Dizziness
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
If you have a perforated eardrum.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss all of your medications (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help ensure that it is safe for you to take this medication in conjunction with your other treatments. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
If you have a perforated eardrum.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss all of your medications (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help ensure that it is safe for you to take this medication in conjunction with your other treatments. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. You and your doctor will need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Not expected with topical otic use due to minimal systemic absorption.
- Local irritation, burning, or stinging if excessive amounts are used or if the eardrum is perforated.
What to Do:
Discontinue use. Rinse ear with clean water if irritation is severe. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison control advice.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Clinical symptoms of otitis externa (pain, discharge, itching, redness)
Frequency: Daily
Target: Improvement
Action Threshold: Worsening symptoms or no improvement after 7-10 days; consider re-evaluation and alternative treatment.
Symptom Monitoring
- Ear pain
- Ear discharge
- Ear itching
- Redness or swelling of the ear canal
- Hearing changes
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for topical otic use during pregnancy due to minimal systemic absorption. Consult with a healthcare provider.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk
Second Trimester:
Low risk
Third Trimester:
Low risk
Lactation
Considered compatible with breastfeeding due to minimal systemic absorption and unlikely transfer into breast milk in clinically significant amounts.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Commonly used in pediatric patients for otitis externa. Dosing may be slightly adjusted for infants. Ensure eardrum integrity before use.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments are typically needed for geriatric patients. Use with caution if eardrum perforation is suspected.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Ensure the ear canal is clean and free of excessive cerumen or debris before instillation for optimal drug contact.
- Warm the solution by holding the bottle in your hand for a few minutes before instillation to prevent dizziness.
- Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up for 5 minutes after instillation to allow the drops to penetrate.
- Do not use if there is a perforated eardrum or tympanostomy tubes, as it can cause severe pain and ototoxicity. Always confirm eardrum integrity before prescribing.
- If irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use.
Alternative Therapies
- Ciprofloxacin otic solution
- Ofloxacin otic solution
- Neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone otic solution
- Colistin/neomycin/hydrocortisone/thonzonium bromide otic solution
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Low (e.g., $10-$30) per 15ml bottle
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 (Preferred Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.