DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Ak-Spore Ophthalmic Ointment
• Neocidin Ophthalmic Ointment
• Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment
• Neotal
• Ocu-Spor-B
• Ocusporin
• Ocutricin Ophthalmic Ointment
• Ophthalmic
• Spectro-Sporin
• Triple Antibiotic

In Canada—

• Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment

Generic name product may be available in the U.S.

Category

• Antibacterial, ophthalmic

Description

Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin ( nee-oh-MYE-sin, pol-i-MIX-in bee, and bass-i-TRAY-sin) combination antibiotic medicine is used to treat infections of the eye.

Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

• Ophthalmic
• Ophthalmic ointment (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin ophthalmic combination, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or to any related antibiotic, such as amikacin (e.g., Amikin), colistimethate (e.g., Coly-Mycin M), colistin (e.g., Coly-Mycin S), gentamicin (e.g., Garamycin), kanamycin (e.g., Kantrex), netilmicin (e.g., Netromycin), paromomycin (e.g., Humatin), streptomycin, or tobramycin (e.g., Nebcin). Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy—Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin ophthalmic combination has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding—Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin ophthalmic combination has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Proper Use of This Medicine

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into this space. A 1-cm (approximately 1/3-inch) strip of ointment is usually enough, unless you have been told by your doctor to use a different amount. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). After using neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin eye ointment, wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment , even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses .

Dosing—The dose of neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin ophthalmic combination will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average dose of neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin ophthalmic combination. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For eye infections:
  • For eye ointment dosage forms:
    • Adults and children—Use a thin strip of ointment in the eyes every three or four hours for seven to ten days.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Itching, rash, redness, swelling, or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medicine

After application, eye ointments usually cause your vision to blur for a few minutes.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Revised: 05/24/1995

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