What is Bacitracin, hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B (ophthalmic)?
The ophthalmic combination of hydrocortisone and neomycin (for the eye) is an antibiotic-steroid medication that is used for treating eye inflammation due to uveitis or other eye conditions.When there is a high risk of bacterial infections around or in the eye, bacitracin is prescribed.This medication guide may be used to treat other conditions not mentioned in the drug guide.
Side effects of Bacitracin, hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B (ophthalmic)
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Side effects from neomycin and polymyxin may be serious. You should call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe itching or swelling in your eyes
- Eye discomfort, crusting, and drainage may indicate infection;
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light
- Pain behind your eyes, sudden vision changes,
- A wound that does not heal.
Some of the common side effects that may occur with bacitracin (hydrocortisone), neomycin, and polymyxin-B include:
- Mild eye irritation or itching
- Eye redness.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Ciprofloxacin for ophthalmic use, azithromycin for ophthalmic use, dexamethasone for ophthalmic use, triamcinolone for ophthalmic use, levofloxacin for ophthalmic use, erythromycin for ophthalmic use, and humira
Warnings
This medicine should not be used if you are suffering from a fungal infection or virus (including simplex herpes) in your eye.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you're allergic to bacitracin or hydrocortisone or have an eye infection (including herpes) caused by a fungus or virus.
Contact your physician if any of the following apply to you:
- Glaucoma;
- If you have cataracts or need cataract surgery,
- An allergic reaction can occur to a medication like neomycin.
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.Anyone younger than 18 is not allowed to use bacitracin, hydrocortisone, neomycin, or polymyxin-B ophthalmic.
How to take Bacitracin, hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B (ophthalmic)?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Before using eye medications, wash your hands.Apply the ointment by pulling down your lower eyelid and tilting your head slightly back. In this pocket, squeeze a small ribbon of ointment out of the tube. Keep your eye closed for a minute or two after you blink gently. Use a tissue to wipe off any excess ointment.Avoid touching the tube tip or placing it directly on your eye. The tip of the tube can cause serious vision problems if it is contaminated.Contact your doctor immediately if you do not see improvement in your symptoms after two days.You may need to have frequent vision tests if you take this medication for more than 10 days.Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. When not in use, keep the tube tightly sealed.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses of bacitracin (or hydrocortisone), neomycin, and polymyxin B eye drops are not dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
This medicine should not be shared with anyone else, even if the other person has similar symptoms.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you take are unlikely to affect the medicine used on your eyes. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
