Neomycin/Polymyxin/Hc

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for bacterial ear infections.

EYE: To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Shake the bottle well before each dose.

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed and if your dose is for more than 1 drop. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Do not use this medication more often than prescribed or for longer than 10 days unless directed by your doctor.

EAR: Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times a day. Do not use this medication more often than prescribed or for longer than 10 days. The ear canal should be clean and dry before using this medication.

For accuracy and to avoid contamination, have another person insert the drops if possible. Before using, hold the container in your hand for a few minutes in order to warm it. This will minimize dizziness.

To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface. Shake the container well before using.

Lie on your side with the treated ear upward. Hold the dropper directly over the ear and place the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal. To help the drops roll into the ear of an adult, hold the earlobe up and back. For children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted with the treated ear upward for 5 minutes, or insert a soft cotton plug if so directed. Another way to give this medication is to place a cotton wick in the ear canal and moisten it with the prescribed number of drops as often as directed. The wick should be replaced at least once a day.

Repeat the above steps for the other ear if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the cap after use.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better after 2 days of treatment.

This medication may temporarily sting or burn your eye/ear for a minute or two when applied. If this effect lasts or gets worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Use of this medication for prolonged/repeated periods may result in a new fungal eye/ear infection and may increase your risk for other eye/ear problems (such as glaucoma, cataracts, hearing loss). Do not use this medication for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new or worsening eye/ear symptoms (such as discharge, swelling, redness), vision/hearing problems, eye pain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to neomycin, polymyxin, or hydrocortisone; or to aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin, tobramycin); or to corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, thimerosal), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other ear problems (such as a hole in your eardrum, middle ear infection), an eye/ear infection not caused by bacteria (such as viral, fungal, mycobacterial), other eye problems (such as glaucoma).

If you are using this medication to treat the eyes, your vision may become temporarily blurred or unstable after applying. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it safely.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Throw away the unused medication after treatment is completed. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

If you are using this medication to treat an eye infection, and you use it for 10 days or longer, lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you are using this medication to treat an ear infection, it is important to keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry. Try not to get the infected ear(s) wet when bathing. Avoid swimming unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.