Acetic acid

MEDICATION SAFETY ISSUES
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:
Acetic acid for irrigation may be confused with glacial acetic acid
VoSol® may be confused with Vexol®

PHARMACOLOGIC CATEGORY
Otic Agent, Anti-infective
Topical Skin Product

DOSING: ADULTS
Irrigation (Note: Dosage of an irrigating solution depends on the capacity or surface area of the structure being irrigated):
For continuous irrigation of the urinary bladder with 0.25% acetic acid irrigation, the rate of administration will approximate the rate of urine flow; usually 500-1500 mL/24 hours
For periodic irrigation of an indwelling urinary catheter to maintain patency, about 50 mL of 0.25% acetic acid irrigation is required

Otitis externa: Otic: Insert saturated wick; keep moist 24 hours; remove wick and instill 5 drops 3-4 times/day

DOSING: ELDERLY — Refer to adult dosing.

DOSAGE FORMS — Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Solution for irrigation: 0.25% (250 mL, 500 mL, 1000 mL)

Solution, otic: 2% (15 mL)

DOSAGE FORMS: CONCISE
Solution for irrigation: 0.25% (250 mL, 500 mL, 1000 mL)

Solution, otic: 2% (15 mL)

GENERIC EQUIVALENT AVAILABLE — Yes

ADMINISTRATION — Not for internal intake or I.V. infusion; topical use or irrigation use only.

USE — Irrigation of the bladder; treatment of superficial bacterial infections of the external auditory canal

ADVERSE REACTIONS SIGNIFICANT — <1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Hematuria, systemic acidosis, urologic pain

CONTRAINDICATIONS — Hypersensitivity to acetic acid or any component of the formulation; during transurethral procedures

WARNINGS / PRECAUTIONS
Concerns related to adverse effects: Acidosis: Systemic acidosis may result from absorption. Bladder irritation: Use of irrigation in patients with mucosal lesions of urinary bladder may cause irritation.

Other warnings/precautions: Administration: Not for internal intake or I.V. infusion; topical use or irrigation use only.

DRUG INTERACTIONS — There are no known significant interactions.

PREGNANCY RISK FACTOR — C (show table)

INTERNATIONAL BRAND NAMES — Aquaear (AU); Earcalm (GB, IE); Suym Otico (PE)