neomycin/polymyxin B and dexamethasone ophth... Health Article

Generic name(s):

neomycin/polymyxin B and dexamethasone ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

dexamethasone/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic, AK-Trol, Dexacidin, Dexacine, Dexasporin, Maxitrol, Methadex, Poly-Dex

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

Neomycin and polymyxin B are antibiotics. They are used to treat bacterial infections.

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

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

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

Who should not use neomycin/polymyxin B and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Do not use neomycin/polymyxin B and dexamethasone ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. It is not known whether neomycin/polymyxin B and dexamethasone ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether neomycin/polymyxin B 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/polymyxin B and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Use neomycin/polymyxin B and dexamethasone 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:

• Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. 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. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, 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. 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.

Never use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store neomycin/polymyxin B and dexamethasone ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.