At a glance
Effects
- Antibacterial / antifungal: Works against both bacterial and fungal causes of external ear (outer-ear) infections.[3][4]
- Treats swimmer's ear: Used to treat otitis externa (swimmer's ear), an infection of the ear canal; it will NOT treat a middle/inner ear infection (otitis media).[1][3]
- Diagnostic / pH uses: In dilute form also used to flush catheters/bladder, adjust vaginal pH, and applied to the cervix to help detect abnormal cells during screening.[3]
Otic anti-infective; food/industrial acid
Topical / otic ear drops (2%)
Glacial acetic acid is corrosive & flammable
Not established under age 3 (otic)
WHO Essential Medicine (medical use)
About Acetic Acid
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Acetic acid is the acidic compound that gives vinegar its sour character; medically it is classed as an otic anti-infective (antibacterial/antifungal) used mainly as a 2% ear drop.[1][3] At low (vinegar) strength it is a food acid, while the pure undiluted form, glacial acetic acid, is a corrosive industrial chemical.[2][5]
How it works
Acetic acid lowers local pH and disrupts microbial cell membranes, killing certain bacteria and fungi and reducing their ability to function.[1][3] As an otic solution it is buffered to about pH 3 and combined with propylene glycol and benzethonium chloride to keep it in contact with the ear-canal tissue.[4]
Risks & side effects
Most important: The single biggest danger is concentration: dilute medicinal/vinegar acetic acid is mild, but the concentrated (glacial) form is highly corrosive and can cause severe skin and eye burns, permanent eye damage or blindness, and life-threatening injury if swallowed or inhaled.[5][6][7] Improper dilution of glacial acetic acid has caused severe chemical burns in medical settings.[6]
Common
Serious
- Concentrated (glacial) acetic acid causes severe corrosive skin burns with blistering, tissue death and permanent scarring.[5][7]
- Eye contact with concentrated solution can cause permanent eye damage or blindness.[6][7]
- Ingestion causes severe corrosive injury to the mouth, throat and stomach; aspiration can cause life-threatening lung damage.[7]
- Inhalation of vapor can cause coughing, chest pain, throat swelling and, with heavy exposure, bronchitis and lung damage.[9][10]
Safety & harm reduction
- Use only in the ear as directed; avoid contact with eyes, mouth and nose, and rinse with water if contact occurs.[1]
- For the otic solution, a cotton wick may be inserted and kept moist to maintain contact with the infected surface.[8]
- Glacial/concentrated acetic acid must be handled with gloves, goggles/face shield and ventilation (fume hood above 25%); store away from oxidizers and ignition sources.[6][11]
- If swallowed or splashed, contact Poison Control (US: 1-800-222-1222) / seek emergency care.[1]
Dosage context
Commonly-reported, not a prescription: the otic product is a 2% solution. A typical labeled regimen saturates a cotton wick in the ear, kept moist with 3–5 drops every 4–6 hours for the first 24 hours, then 5 drops 3–4 times daily as long as indicated (3–4 drops may suffice in children).[8] Diagnostic/therapeutic dilute uses range from about 0.25–0.5% (bladder/wound irrigation) to 1–5% (topical/cervical/oral uses).[6] Undiluted glacial acetic acid has no medical use.[6] Always follow a clinician's instructions.
Sources
- 1.Drugs.com — Acetic acid otic
- 2.Wikipedia — Acetic acid
- 3.WebMD — Acetic acid otic
- 4.DailyMed — Acetic Acid Otic Solution, USP
- 5.ChemCafe — Glacial acetic acid hazards
- 6.PMC — Glacial Acetic Acid Adverse Events
- 7.SDS — Acetic acid, glacial (Seastar Chemicals)
- 8.DailyMed — ACETIC ACID solution (label)
- 9.SDSManager — Acetic Acid uses & dangers
- 10.CDC NIOSH Pocket Guide — Acetic acid
- 11.Hisea Chem — Is Glacial Acetic Acid Hazardous (link unavailable)
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
Other options for Acetic Acid· 2 offers
Same compound from different labs/brands and pack sizes. Tap a row to switch brand — the price and buy button update instantly.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Generic | bottle | — | 30 ml | 54,90 € | — |
GenericSelected | bottle | — | 100 ml | 84,90 € | — |