Acetic acid (medical use)
Chemical formula of acetic acid | |
Clinical data | |
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Pronunciation | a-SEE-tik |
Trade names | Acetasol, Vasotate, Acid Jelly, Domeboro Otic, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
Routes of administration | ear drops |
ATC code | |
Legal status | |
Legal status |
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Identifiers | |
Synonyms | vinegar |
CAS Number | |
PubChem CID | |
DrugBank | |
ChemSpider | |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C2H4O2 |
Molar mass | 60.052 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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Acetic acid, also known as vinegar, is used as a medication to treat a number of conditions. As an eardrop it is used to treat infections of the ear canal.[1] It may be used with an ear wick.[2] As a liquid it is used to flush the bladder in those who have a urinary catheter in an attempt to prevent infection or blockage.[3] As a gel it may be used to adjust the pH of the vagina.[4] It may also be applied to the cervix to help detect cervical cancer during screening.[5]
Side effects may include burning at the site of application. Allergic reactions may rarely occur.[6] Use is not recommended in the ear in people who have a hole in the eardrum. It works against both bacterial and fungal causes of external ear infections.[7]
Acetic acid has been used medically since the time of Ancient Egypt.[8][9] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.[10] Acetic acid is available as a generic medication. In the United States a course of treatment with the ear preparation costs less than 25 USD.[2] Acetic acid is more commonly used for external ear infections in the developing world than the developed.[11]
Medical uses
Acetic acid may be applied to the cervix to help detect cervical cancer during screening in many areas in the developing world.[5] Acetic acid is applied to the cervix and if an area of white appears after about a minute the test is positive.[5]
References
- ↑ "Acetic acid (otic) medical facts from Drugs.com". www.drugs.com. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
- 1 2 Hamilton, Richart (2015). Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia 2015 Deluxe Lab-Coat Edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p. 252. ISBN 9781284057560.
- ↑ "Acetic Acid". The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
- ↑ "Acetic acid gel: Indications, Side Effects, Warnings - Drugs.com". www.drugs.com. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
- 1 2 3 Fokom-Domgue, J; Combescure, C; Fokom-Defo, V; Tebeu, PM; Vassilakos, P; Kengne, AP; Petignat, P (3 July 2015). "Performance of alternative strategies for primary cervical cancer screening in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies.". BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 351: h3084. PMC 4490835 . PMID 26142020.
- ↑ "Acetic acid otic Side Effects in Detail - Drugs.com". www.drugs.com. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
- ↑ "Acetic Acid - FDA prescribing information, side effects and uses". www.drugs.com. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
- ↑ Cook, Larry (2005). The Beginner's Guide to Natural Living: How to Cultivate a More Natural Lifestyle to Lose Weight, Prevent Degenerative Disease, Improve Your Energy and Attain Vibrant Health. EcoVision Communications. p. 107. ISBN 9780975536186.
- ↑ Cumston, C. G. (2013). The History of Medicine. Routledge. p. Chapter 2. ISBN 9781136194252.
- ↑ "WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (19th List)" (PDF). World Health Organization. April 2015. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
- ↑ Desai, Bobby; Desai, Alpa (2016). Primary Care for Emergency Physicians. Springer. p. 36. ISBN 9783319443607.