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Uses

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

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin ophthalmic (eye) is commonly used for certain eye infections caused by bacteria.

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin 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 ophthalmic, which will make it not work as well.

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

Other forms of neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin are available for use on the skin. See Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin topical for more information.

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

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin 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. 

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

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

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

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

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin 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 ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin 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 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 ophthalmic?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin 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

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

Warnings & Precautions

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

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

  • Neomycin
  • Polymyxin B
  • Bacitracin
  • Neo-Polycin 
  • Lumi-Sporyn
  • 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 ophthalmic products they stock.

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

Do not use neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. 

Use neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin 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. 

Only use neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin ophthalmic for an infection if your healthcare provider has prescribed it for this reason. If symptoms of an infection return after using the medicine, contact your healthcare provider.

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

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

Neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin 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 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 ophthalmic is right for you.

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

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 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 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 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 use neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

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

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

There are no known interactions between neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin 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 ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin 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 ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin 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 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 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 ophthalmic or other similar medicines.