$Unique_ID{BRK03249} $Pretitle{} $Title{neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin or gramicidin combination (ophthalmic)} $Subject{AK-Spore Akorn Mycitracin ophthalmic Upjohn Neomycin Polymyxin B Gramicidin Rugby Neosporin Burroughs Wellcome antibiotic neomycin bacitracin ointment drops bacterial infections eye bacteria} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin or gramicidin combination (ophthalmic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) AK-Spore (Akorn) Mycitracin ophthalmic (Upjohn) neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin or gramicidin combination (various manufacturers) Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Gramicidin (Rugby) Neosporin (Burroughs Wellcome) TYPE OF DRUG Ophthalmic antibiotic INGREDIENTS neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin (ointment only) or gramicidin (drops only) DOSAGE FORMS Ophthalmic drops (1.75 mg neomycin, 10,000 units polymyxin B, and 0.025 mg gramicidin per ml) Ophthalmic ointment (3.5 mg neomycin, 10,000 units polymyxin B, and 400 units or 500 units bacitracin per gm) STORAGE The ophthalmic drops and ointment should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed containers. This medication should never be frozen. USES This medication combination is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye. It is an antibiotic combination that is effective against a wide range of bacteria. The medication combination acts by preventing the production of nutrients that are required for growth of the infecting bacteria. This medication is not effective against infections caused by viruses or fungi. TREATMENT Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medication. In order to prevent contamination of the medication, be careful not to touch the tube portion of the dropper, and do not let the dropper touch your eye. Note that the bottle of eye drops is not completely full. This is to allow control of the number of drops dispensed. To apply the eye drops, tilt your head back and pull down the lower eyelid with one hand to make a pouch below the eye. Drop the prescribed amount of medicine into this pouch and slowly close your eyes. Try not to blink. Keep your eyes closed, and place one finger at the corner of the eye next to your nose for a minute or two, applying slight pressure (this is done to prevent loss of medication through the duct that drains fluid from the surface of the eye into the nose and throat). Then wipe away any excess with a clean tissue. If you don't think the medicine got into the eye, repeat the process once. If you are using more than one kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes before applying the other medication(s). Follow the same general procedure for the ointment. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, and squeeze the ointment in a line along the pouch below the eye. Close the eye and place your finger at the corner of the eye near the nose for a minute or two. Do not rub your eyes. Wipe off excess ointment and the tip of the tube with clean tissues. Since this medication is somewhat difficult to apply, you may prefer to have someone else apply it for you. If you miss a dose of this medication, insert the drops or apply the ointment as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next application. In that case, do not use the missed dose; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Continue using this medicine for the entire time prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms disappear. If you stop too soon, the infection could recur. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Blurred vision, burning, or stinging. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the drug. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about disturbed or reduced vision and about itching, rash, redness, or swelling in or around your eyes (other than the original symptoms of your infection). Also, if the infection seems to be getting worse rather than improving, contact your doctor. INTERACTIONS This medication should not interact with other medications as long as it is used according to directions. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to neomycin, bacitracin, polymyxin B, gramicidin, or any related antibiotics (such as amikacin, colistimethate, colistin, gentamicin, kanamycin, netilmicin, paromomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, and viomycin). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney disease, an injured cornea, inner ear disease, or myasthenia gravis. * Do not use this medication for longer than ten consecutive days unless your doctor directs you to do so. Prolonged use of this drug may result in eye damage. If you need to use this medication for six weeks or longer, your doctor may want you to have an eye examination. * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only. Another infection later on may require a different medicine. You should not give your medicine to other people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so. * In order to allow your eye infection to clear, do not apply makeup to the affected eye. * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The effects of this drug during pregnancy have not been studied. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.