gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

AK-Spore, Neocidin, Neocin PG, Neoptic, Neosporin Ophthalmic

What is the most important information I should know about gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B 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 to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper 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 liquid from draining down your tear duct.

What is gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Gramicidin, neomycin, and polymyxin B are all antibiotics. They are used to treat bacterial infections.

The ophthalmic form of gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Do not use gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B 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 gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B 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 gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B 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 gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Use gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B eyedrops 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.

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. 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.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper 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 gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle 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.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, wash the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

What should I avoid while using gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

Use caution with contact lenses. Wear them only if your doctor approves. After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses.

Avoid other eye medications unless your doctor approves.