neobookRx
DrugsLevel 4 LocalisationS0DROEML

Acetic Acid

Carboxylic acidAntibacterial, Antifungal

Indications

South African indications:

  • Otitis externa
  • Otitis media, chronic, suppurative (Additional agent required)

Cautions

Contraindication

  • Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
  • Suspected or known perforation of tympanic membranes

Caution

  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Renal impairment
  • Hepatic impairment
  • Contact with eyes

Adult dosage

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: dro

Dosages below include:

  • South African Standard Treatment Guidelines indications and dosages

Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

South African Standard Treatment Guidelines indications and dosages

Otitis externa
Otitis media, chronic, suppurative (Additional agent required)

  • Otic (dro): Instil 3-4 drops into affected ear(s), 6hrly; Treatment duration: 5 days
    (STG, Adult 2019; PHC 2020)

Paediatric dosage

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: dro

Paed. dosages below include:

  • South African Standard Treatment Guideline indications and dosages

Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

South African Standard Treatment Guideline indications and dosages

Otitis media, chronic, suppurative (Additional agent required)

  • Otic (dro): Instil 4 drops into affected ear(s), 6hrly; Treatment duration: 5 days
    (STG, Paed. 2022)

Special populations

Pregnancy

  • There are no known restrictions on the use of the acetic acid in pregnancy. Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done

Breastfeeding

  • Caution; no information available
  • There are no known restrictions on the use of the acetic acid in breastfeeding. Otic use is unlikely to result in significant infant exposure

Renal Impairment

Hepatic Impairment

Elderly

Porphyria Information

Drugs in Sport

  • Non-regulated product: Authorities caution athletes against the risk of using these products

Adverse reactions

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

  • Skin necrosis

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

  • Hypersensitivity reactions  

Sensory Disorders

  • Otic stinging
  • Otic burning

Interactions

No information available

Monitoring

None routine

Mechanism of action

It has local antifungal and antibacterial effects. Acetic acid at concentration of 2-5% solution for otic use are particularly effective against P. aeruginosa, Candida, and Aspergillus. It reduces swelling associated with otitis externa.

Dosage forms

  • Drops, external

Formulation

Ear drops (per 100ml) 3ml (acetic acid 33%)

  • Acetic acid ear drops

Ear drops (per 100ml) 2ml (acetic acid 33%)

  • Acetic acid in spirit ear drops

References

1. SAMF_12th Edition_Page 589 2. Pharmacologist 3. SmPC: Acetic acid, Teva UK Limited: Last updated on eMC: 16 Sep 2015; Downloaded online 29 August 2018 https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9013/smpc 4. U2D: Acetic acid: Drug information; Uptodate; Downloaded online https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acetic-acid-otic-drug-information?source=search_result&search=acetic%20acid&selectedTitle=1~95 5. NAPOS The Drug Database for Acute Porphyria: Acetic acid; Accessed online 30 August 2018 http://www.drugs-porphyria.org/languages/UnitedKingdom/s3.php?atc_code=S02AA10&l=gbr 6. South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport; Accessed online 31 August 2018 http://www.drugfreesport.org.za/online-medication-check/ 7. Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare Level, 2020 Edition 8. Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults, 2019 Edition 9. Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Paediatrics, 2022 Edition Pharmacologist references; • Micromedex medicines solutions. • AMA Drug Evaluations Subscription, American Medical Association, Chicago, IL, 1992. • Product Information: acetic acid otic solution, acetic acid otic solution. Vintage Pharmaceuticals, Huntsville, AL, 2005. • Acetic acid otic solution packet inserts. • Drugs during pregnancy and lactation, 3rd edition.

Brands & products

2 products · stale NAPPI snapshot · refreshed 5/28/2026 · 159 days old

dropsGeneric· 1 product

from R3.44/unit
ProductStrengthPackSchedSEPUnitDisp feeNAPPI
Lennon ipekakuanha-tinctuur- ml/5ml20S2R68.70R3.44R35.65877115001

injectionGeneric· 1 product

from R413.11/unit
ProductStrengthPackSchedSEPUnitDisp feeNAPPI
Disida 130505 vials40 mg/vial5S4R2065.56R413.11R328.02886650006
Trade names (2)
  • Acetic acid ear drops
  • Acetic acid in spirit ear drops

Medical aid coverage

data not yet integrated
Discovery Health
not yet integrated
  • Comprehensive Series—
  • Executive Plan—
  • KeyCare Series—
  • Priority Series—
  • Saver Series—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

Bonitas Medical Fund
not yet integrated
  • BonClassic—
  • BonComprehensive—
  • BonEssential—
  • BonFit Select—
  • BonSave—
  • BonStart—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

GEMS — Government Employees Medical Scheme
not yet integrated
  • Beryl—
  • Emerald—
  • Onyx—
  • Ruby—
  • Sapphire—
  • Tanzanite One—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

POLMED — Police Medical Aid Scheme
not yet integrated
  • Aquarium Option—
  • Efficiency Option—
  • Marine Option—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

Cited in 12 documents

NeoHealth® ID 15336 · updated 5/8/2024