Updated: January 25, 2026

What Is Acetic Acid Otic? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Author

Peter Daggett

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What Is Acetic Acid Otic Solution?
What Does Acetic Acid Otic Treat?
Swimmer's Ear: Symptoms to Know
Acetic Acid Otic Dosage and How to Use It
How to Apply the Ear Drops Correctly
Is Acetic Acid Otic a Controlled Substance?
How Much Does It Cost?
Having Trouble Finding It?

A complete patient guide to acetic acid otic solution (formerly Vosol): what it is, what it treats, how to use it, and important safety information for 2026.

If your doctor prescribed acetic acid ear drops, you may have questions — especially if you're not familiar with the medication or can't find it at your pharmacy. This guide covers everything you need to know about acetic acid otic solution in plain language.

What Is Acetic Acid Otic Solution?

Acetic acid otic solution is a prescription ear drop that contains 2% acetic acid (the same compound found in vinegar, but in a pharmaceutical-grade, precisely buffered preparation). It is used to treat infections in the outer ear canal — specifically otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear.

The brand name was VoSol, which has since been discontinued in the U.S. Generic versions of the medication remain available. You may also see it listed as "acetic acid 2% otic solution" on your prescription or pharmacy label.

What Does Acetic Acid Otic Treat?

Acetic acid otic is FDA-approved to treat:

Otitis externa (swimmer's ear): An infection of the outer ear canal usually caused by bacteria (most commonly Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus) or sometimes fungi.

Important: Acetic acid otic is NOT for inner ear infections (otitis media — the type that causes ear pressure and hearing changes). It works only in the outer ear canal.

Swimmer's Ear: Symptoms to Know

Pain or tenderness when you touch or tug the outer ear

Itching inside the ear canal

Redness of the ear canal or outer ear

Discharge from the ear (may be clear, white, or yellow)

Feeling of fullness in the ear

Recent water exposure (swimming, bathing, water sports)

Acetic Acid Otic Dosage and How to Use It

Your doctor will give you specific dosing instructions. Standard dosing for adults and children aged 3 and older is:

Insert a cotton wick saturated with acetic acid otic into the ear canal for the first 24 hours, keeping it moist by adding 3–5 drops every 4–6 hours.

After removing the wick at 24 hours, instill 5 drops directly into the ear 3–4 times daily (adults). Children may use 3–4 drops due to smaller ear canal size.

Continue treatment for as long as directed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve.

How to Apply the Ear Drops Correctly

Wash your hands thoroughly.

Lie on your side or tilt your head so the affected ear faces up.

For adults: gently pull the ear back and upward to straighten the ear canal. For children: pull the ear back and downward.

Hold the dropper directly over the ear and place the prescribed number of drops in the ear canal without touching the dropper to the ear.

Stay on your side for at least 2 minutes to let the drops settle into the canal.

Is Acetic Acid Otic a Controlled Substance?

No. Acetic acid otic is not a controlled substance. It has no DEA scheduling and no special prescription restrictions. Your doctor can prescribe it during any routine visit, telehealth appointment, or urgent care encounter.

How Much Does It Cost?

Retail price for a 15 mL bottle is approximately $24–$40 without insurance. With a GoodRx coupon, prices can drop to as low as $14.65. Most insurance plans cover it as a Tier 1–2 generic. See our complete guide on saving money on acetic acid ear drops for more detail.

Having Trouble Finding It?

Acetic acid otic can be hard to find in stock at many pharmacies. If your local pharmacy is out, try medfinder — we call pharmacies near you to find which ones have it in stock and text you the results. No phone tag required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not exactly. Acetic acid is the active component in vinegar, but prescription acetic acid otic is a precisely formulated, pH-buffered 2% solution with excipients including propylene glycol and benzethonium chloride. Household vinegar is not sterile, has an uncontrolled pH, and contains other components that can irritate the ear. Never use household vinegar as a substitute for prescription acetic acid otic.

Most patients with uncomplicated swimmer's ear begin to see symptom improvement within 2–3 days of starting acetic acid otic. Full resolution typically takes 7–10 days. Continue using the drops for the full duration your doctor prescribed, even if you feel better sooner — stopping early can allow the infection to return.

No. Acetic acid otic is specifically for treating outer ear infections (otitis externa). It is not indicated for ear wax removal and should not be used for that purpose. For ear wax, ask your doctor or pharmacist about appropriate over-the-counter cerumenolytic products.

VoSol was the brand name for acetic acid 2% otic solution. The VoSol brand has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic acetic acid otic solution is the same medication in the same formulation — just without the brand name on the label. The FDA confirmed VoSol's withdrawal was not for safety or effectiveness reasons.

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