This medication is an antibiotic used to treat certain
bacterial eye infections. It works by stopping the growth of
bacteria.
This medication treats 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.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times daily.
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.
To apply eye ointments, wash hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the tube tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface. Tilt your head back, look upward, and gently pull down the
lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place a 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.5 to 1.5
centimeter) strip of ointment into the pouch. Gently close the eye and roll
the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication. Try not to blink
and do not rub the eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so
directed.
If you are treating an infection of the eyelid, first
clean all scales and crusts away from the area before applying the eye
ointment on the eyelid.
Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue to
remove extra medication before recapping it.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other
medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter
the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- burning/swelling/redness in or around the eye
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods
may result in a new fungal eye infection. Do not use this medication for
longer than prescribed. Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening
symptoms.
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)
- chest tightness
- 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 bacitracin, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to neomycin; or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, 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.
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. 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 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 away from heat. 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.