NEOMYCIN,POLYMYXIN B, AND BACITRACIN (Ophthalmic)

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, andbacitracin ( nee-oh-MYE-sin, pol-i-MIX-inbee, and bass-i-TRAY-sin) combination antibiotic medicineis used to treat infections of the eye.

Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination is available only withyour 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, polymyxinB, and bacitracin ophthalmic combination, the following should be considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic 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-MycinS), 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 anyother substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy?Neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin ophthalmiccombination has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems inhumans.

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

Children?Studies on this medicine have been done only in adultpatients, and there is no specific information comparing use of neomycin,polymyxin B, and bacitracin combination in children with use in other agegroups.

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

Proper Use of This Medicine

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your fingergently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid awayfrom 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 goof the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutesto allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicatortip to any surface (including the eye). After using neomycin, polymyxin B,and bacitracin eye ointment, wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a cleantissue and keep the tube tightly closed.

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

Dosing?The dose of neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracinophthalmic combination will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The followinginformation includes only the average dose of neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracinophthalmic combination. If your dose is different, donot 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 eyesevery three or four hours for seven to ten days.

Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it assoon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip themissed 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 surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

If yoursymptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, checkwith your doctor.

Side Effects of This Medicine

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

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

More common

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

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