Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic

Neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic combination is used to treat and prevent eye infections caused by certain bacteria and to reduce the irritation, redness, burning, and swelling of eye inflammation caused by infection, chemicals, heat, radiation, foreign bodies in the eye, and other eye conditions. Neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin are in a class of medications called antibiotics. They work by stopping the growth of bacteria. Hydrocortisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the eye to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

These ophthalmic combinations come as an ointment (containing neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone) to apply to the eye and as a suspension (liquid with undissolved particles) (containing neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone) to instill in the eye. It is usually used in the affected eye(s) every three to four hours depending on the condition that you have. Use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic combination at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic combination exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not share your medication, even with someone who was also prescribed this medication. If more than one person uses the same tube or bottle, infection may spread.

Your symptoms should begin to improve during the first few days of treatment with neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic combination. If symptoms of pain and swelling do not improve or get worse within 48 hours after starting treatment, stop using the medication and call your doctor.

Use neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic combination for as long as directed by your doctor, even if you feel better. If you stop using neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic combination too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

To apply the eye ointment, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
3. Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else.
4. Tilt your head forward slightly.
5. Holding the tube between your thumb and index finger, place the tube as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
6. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
7. With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
8. Place a small amount of ointment into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. A 1/2-inch (1.25-centimeter) strip of ointment usually is enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
9. Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
10. Replace and tighten the cap right away.
11. Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
3. Make sure the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
4. Avoid touching the dropper against your eye, fingers, or anything else.
5. Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
6. Lie down or tilt your head back.
7. Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
8. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
9. With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
10. Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing the drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
11. Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2 to 3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
12. Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
13. Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.