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Uses

What is neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic (eye) is commonly used to treat or prevent eye infections caused by bacteria. It also helps reduce swelling.

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic, which will make it not work as well.

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create proteins that they need to grow and reproduce, weakening their cell membrane, and blocking their ability to build a cell wall. It also reduces swelling in the eye by calming (suppressing) the immune system.

How is neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic is available in the following dosage forms that are applied to the eye.

  • 3.5 mg/10,000 units/400 units/1% per gram ophthalmic ointment

How should I store neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the medicine container tightly closed until you are ready to use it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye itching or irritation
  • Eye swelling
  • Eye redness

There may be other side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic 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 neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic 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
  • Itching, redness, or swelling of the eyes

Other Eye Problems. Using neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic for a prolonged period of time may lead to other problems in the eye including elevated eye pressure, glaucoma, vision loss, cataracts, or thinning of the tissues covering the eye. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any vision changes while using this medicine. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked.

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi or viruses. Call your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic.

  • Neomycin
  • Polymyxin B
  • Bacitracin
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Cortisporin
  • Neo-Polycin HC
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Only use this medicine for an infection if your healthcare provider has prescribed it for this reason.

Use neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic as prescribed. Using it in a way other than it was prescribed may increase the chance that the bacteria will develop resistance to the medicine. This may cause the medicine to not work as well in the future. 

If the pain or swelling in your eye continues longer than two days or becomes worse, stop using neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic and contact your healthcare provider. If symptoms of an infection return after using the medicine, contact your healthcare provider. 

Do not share neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the medicine to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Do not inject the medicine into the eye.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

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 neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Vision problems

Recent Cataract Surgery. Using neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the risk of complications. Tell your healthcare provider if you have recently had cataract surgery.

Allergies to Other Antibiotics. People who have previously had an allergic reaction to kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, or gentamicin may experience an allergic cross-reaction while using neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of an allergic reaction to any of these antibiotics.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic 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 stop breastfeeding or stop neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic.

Interactions

Does neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal 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 neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic, 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 neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic?

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 neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin/hydrocortisone ophthalmic or other similar medicines.