neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

dexamethasone-neomycin ophthalmic, AK-Neo-Dex, Neo-Decadron, Neo-Decadron Ocumeter, Neo-Dex, Neo-Dexair

What is the most important information I should know about neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in your condition after a few days.

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.

What is neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Neomycin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections.

Dexamethasone is a steroid. It is used to treat the inflammation associated with bacterial infections of the eye.

Neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Do not use neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. Neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Use neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic eyedrops or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after using your eyedrops or ointment.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. Repeat the process in the other eye if your doctor has prescribed drops in both eyes. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

To apply the ointment:

• Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat the process in the other eye if your doctor has prescribed ointment in both eyes.

If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before your next application.

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly capped.