ACETIC ACID

Chemistry - Glacial acetic acid is C2H4O2. Acetic acid has a distinctive odor and a sharp acidtaste. It is miscible with water, alcohol or glycerin. Much confusion can occur with the percentagesof C2H4O2 contained in various acetic acid solutions. Acetic Acid USP is defined as having aconcentration of 36-37% C2H4O2. Diluted Acetic Acid NF contains 5.7 - 6.3% w/v of C2H4O2.
Solutions containing approximately 3-5% w/v of C2H4O2 is commonly known as vinegar. Be certain of the concentration of the product you are using and your dilutions.

Storage, Stability, Compatibility

Acetic acid solutions should be stored in airtight containers.
Pharmacology/Indications - Via its acidifying qualities, acetic acid is used in ruminants to treatnon-protein nitrogen-induced ammonia toxicosis. The acetic acid in the rumen lowers pH, therebyshifting ammonia to ammonium ions and reducing absorption. It is also used as a potentialtreatment to prevent enterolith formation in horses, supposedly by reducing colonic pH.

Pharmacokinetics - ACETIC ACID

No information noted.
Contraindications/Precautions - Should not be administered to ruminants with potential lactic acidosis (grain overload, rumen acidosis) until ruled out.

Adverse Effects, Warnings

Because of the unpleasant taste and potential for causing mucous membrane irritation, acetic acid is generally recommended to be administered via stomach tube.

Overdosage, Acute Toxicity

When used for appropriate indications, there is little likelihood of serious toxicity occurring after minor overdoses. The greatest concern would occur if a concentrated form of acetic acid is mistakenly used due to its potential corrosiveness. However, one human patient who had glacial acetic acid used instead of 5% acetic acid during colposcopy (cervix), demonstrated no detectable harm.

Drug Interactions

There are no documented drug interactions with oral acetic acid, but because of its acidic qualities it could potentially affect the degradation of several drugs in the gut.