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Overview: Neo-Synalar is a cream that is used to treat certain skin infections. Neo-Synalar contains two medicines: neomycin is an antibiotic that stops certain types of bacteria from growing, and fluocinolone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. The most common side effects are burning and itching of the skin where you apply the medicine.

Uses

What is Neo-Synalar used for?

Neo-Synalar is commonly used to treat certain skin infections.

Neo-Synalar may not be appropriate for some skin infections, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to Neo-Synalar, which will make it not work as well.

Neo-Synalar may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Neo-Synalar work (mechanism of action)?

Neo-Synalar contains two medicines, neomycin and fluocinolone. Neomycin is an antibiotic that stops certain types of bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and multiply.

Fluocinolone belongs to a class of medicines called corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming down the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling.

How is Neo-Synalar supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Neo-Synalar

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5%/0.025% topical cream

How should I store Neo-Synalar?

Neo-Synalar should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Do not freeze. Do not expose the medicine to temperatures above 104 F (40 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Neo-Synalar?

The most common side effects of Neo-Synalar are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin reactions, including burning, itching, irritation, dryness, inflamed hair follicles, excessive hair growth, acne-like bumps, and lightening of the skin (see below)

There may be other side effects of Neo-Synalar that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Neo-Synalar?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Neo-Synalar are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Neo-Synalar may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Neo-Synalar and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Hearing Loss. Neo-Synalar may be associated with hearing loss, which is also called ototoxicity. To reduce the risk, avoid using Neo-Synalar over a wide area for a prolonged period of time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have hearing loss or if you hear a ringing or roaring sound in your ears.

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Neo-Synalar. To reduce the risk, avoid using Neo-Synalar over a wide area for a prolonged period of time. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Reduced Adrenal Function. Neo-Synalar can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use Neo-Synalar over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying Neo-Synalar, or use Neo-Synalar on damaged skin. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Neo-Synalar can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use Neo-Synalar over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying Neo-Synalar, or use Neo-Synalar on damaged skin. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acne
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Neo-Synalar may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use Neo-Synalar over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying Neo-Synalar, or use Neo-Synalar on damaged skin. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Skin Reactions. Neo-Synalar can rarely cause skin-related side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following side effects.

  • Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
  • Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
  • Rash around your mouth
  • Lightening of skin color
  • Skin infections at the site of application
  • Skin thinning
  • Skin itching, dryness, cracking, or scaly skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Neo-Synalar?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Neo-Synalar.

  • Neomycin
  • Fluocinolone
  • Neo-Synalar
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Neo-Synalar.

Perforated Eardrum. People who have perforated eardrums should not use Neo-Synalar in their ears. Perforated eardrums can be caused by head or ear injuries or ear infections.

What should I know about Neo-Synalar before using it?

Do not use Neo-Synalar unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Neo-Synalar with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Neo-Synalar out of the reach of children.

Neo-Synalar is for use on the skin only. Keep Neo-Synalar away from your eyes. 

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where Neo-Synalar is applied. This includes tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants over applied areas.

Tell your healthcare provider if your skin condition does not improve after seven days of using this medicine. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Neo-Synalar?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Neo-Synalar is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Neo-Synalar can cause adrenal insufficiency. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any preexisting adrenal gland problems.

Diabetes. Neo-Synalar can increase your blood sugar. Tell your healthcare provider if you have diabetes.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Neo-Synalar could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Neo-Synalar while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Neo-Synalar passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Neo-Synalar while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Neo-Synalar?

For more information about Neo-Synalar, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.medimetriks.com or call them at 973-882-7512.

Interactions

Does Neo-Synalar interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Neo-Synalar and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Neo-Synalar.

Does Neo-Synalar interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Neo-Synalar and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Neo-Synalar?

If you or someone else has used too much Neo-Synalar, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Neo-Synalar?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Neo-Synalar, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Neo-Synalar or other similar medicines.