Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic

Generic name: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic [ BAS-i-TRAY-sin, NEE-oh-MYE-sin, POL-ee-MIX-in-B-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Neo-Polycin, Ocutricin, AK-Spore Ointment, Neocin, Ocu-Spore-B
Dosage form: ophthalmic ointment (400 units-3.5 mg-10000 units/g)
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 26, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B are antibiotics that kill bacteria.

Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination medicine used to treat bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid.

Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to bacitracin, neomycin, or polymyxin B.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any antibiotic eye medication.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

## How should I use bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the ointment: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment from the tube into this pocket. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes using a clean tissue.

Do not touch the tip of the ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tube tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

## What should I avoid while using bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic?

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

## bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- severe itching or watering of your eyes;

- eye pain; or

- eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin b ophthalmic side effects (more detail)

## Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Apply to the affected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Comments:
-Dosing and duration depend on severity of infection.
Use: For the topical treatment of superficial infections of the external eye and its adnexa (including conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis) due to susceptible bacteria

Usual Adult Dose for Keratitis:

Apply to the affected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Comments:
-Dosing and duration depend on severity of infection.
Use: For the topical treatment of superficial infections of the external eye and its adnexa (including conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis) due to susceptible bacteria

Usual Adult Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis:

Apply to the affected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Comments:
-Dosing and duration depend on severity of infection.
Use: For the topical treatment of superficial infections of the external eye and its adnexa (including conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis) due to susceptible bacteria

Usual Adult Dose for Blepharitis:

Apply to the affected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Comments:
-Dosing and duration depend on severity of infection.
Use: For the topical treatment of superficial infections of the external eye and its adnexa (including conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis) due to susceptible bacteria

Usual Adult Dose for Blepharoconjunctivitis:

Apply to the affected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Comments:
-Dosing and duration depend on severity of infection.
Use: For the topical treatment of superficial infections of the external eye and its adnexa (including conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis) due to susceptible bacteria

Detailed Bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin b ophthalmic dosage information

## What other drugs will affect bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## Frequently asked questions

- Can you buy antibiotics over the counter?

## More about bacitracin / neomycin / polymyxin b ophthalmic

- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (2)
- Latest FDA alerts (1)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: ophthalmic anti-infectives
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Neo-Polycin

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
- Keratoconjunctivitis
- Blepharitis
- Blepharoconjunctivitis
- Hordeolum
- Keratitis

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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