This medication is used to treat or prevent bacterial
eye infections. This product contains neomycin and polymyxin, which are
antibiotics that work by stopping the growth of bacteria. It also contains
hydrocortisone, which is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that works by
reducing swelling.
This medication treats/prevents only bacterial eye
infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary
use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased
effectiveness.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This drug may also be used for bacterial ear
infections.
EYE: To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface. Shake the bottle well before each dose.
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this
medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions
and check with your doctor before you begin using them
again.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the
lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and
place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for
1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose)
and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining
out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your
other eye if so directed and if your dose is for more than 1 drop. The
dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
treatment.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after
each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other
medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to
enter the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Do not use this medication more often than prescribed or
for longer than 10 days unless directed by your doctor.
EAR: Use this medication as directed by your doctor,
usually 3 or 4 times a day. Do not use this medication more often than
prescribed or for longer than 10 days. The ear canal should be clean and
dry before using this medication.
For accuracy and to avoid contamination, have another
person insert the drops if possible. Before using, hold the container in
your hand for a few minutes in order to warm it. This will minimize
dizziness.
To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any
other surface. Shake the container well before using.
Lie on your side with the treated ear upward. Hold the
dropper directly over the ear and place the prescribed number of drops into
the ear canal. To help the drops roll into the ear of an adult, hold the
earlobe up and back. For children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the
head tilted with the treated ear upward for 5 minutes, or insert a soft
cotton plug if so directed. Another way to give this medication is to place
a cotton wick in the ear canal and moisten it with the prescribed number of
drops as often as directed. The wick should be replaced at least once a
day.
Repeat the above steps for the other ear if so directed.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the cap after use.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if
symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may
result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
after 2 days of treatment.
This medication may temporarily sting or burn your
eye/ear for a minute or two when applied. If this effect lasts or gets
worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Use of this medication for prolonged/repeated periods
may result in a new fungal eye/ear infection and may increase your risk for
other eye/ear problems (such as glaucoma, cataracts, hearing loss). Do not
use this medication for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor right away
if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
- new or worsening eye/ear symptoms (such as discharge,
swelling, redness)
- vision/hearing problems
- eye pain
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to neomycin, polymyxin, or hydrocortisone;
or to aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin, tobramycin); or to
corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisone); or if you have any
other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as
preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, thimerosal), which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other ear problems (such as a hole in your eardrum, middle
ear infection)
- an eye/ear infection not caused by bacteria (such as viral,
fungal, mycobacterial)
- other eye problems (such as glaucoma)
If you are using this medication to treat the eyes, your
vision may become temporarily blurred or unstable after applying. Do not
drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can
do it safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Throw away the unused medication after treatment is
completed. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor
tells you to.
If you are using this medication to treat an eye
infection, and you use it for 10 days or longer, lab and/or medical tests
(such as eye exams) should be done while you are using this medication.
Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
If you are using this medication to treat an ear
infection, it is important to keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry. Try
not to get the infected ear(s) wet when bathing. Avoid swimming unless your
doctor tells you otherwise.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.