This medication is used to prevent and treat bacterial
infections of the eye and outer ear. It is also used to treat
redness/swelling/itching (inflammation) of the eye/ear from other causes
(such as allergy, rosacea, seborrhea, eczema). This product contains
framycetin (also known as neomycin B) and gramicidin, antibiotics that work
by stopping the growth of bacteria. It also contains dexamethasone, an
anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that works by reducing redness, swelling,
and itching.
This medication treats/prevents only bacterial
infections. It will not work for other types of ear/eye infections and may
worsen them (such as infections caused by viruses, fungi, mycobacteria).
Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for
future infections.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is for use in the eye or ear only. Do
not take by mouth.
Wash your hands first before using this product. To
avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your
ear/eye or any other surface. Do not use the same bottle/dropper in both
the eye and the ear.
EYE: Apply the medication to the affected eye(s) as
directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times a day. Your doctor may
instruct you to use it more often for the first 2 to 3 days (every 1 to 2
hours). Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
treatment. Do not use this medication more often than prescribed or for
longer than 10 days unless directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's
instructions carefully.
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 1 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 if your
dose is for more than 1 drop and for your other eye if so directed. Repeat
as often as directed by your doctor.
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.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after
each use.
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.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
EAR: Use this medication as directed by your doctor,
usually 3 to 4 times daily. First, clean and dry the outer ear. To make
sure that the right amount of medication is given, and to avoid touching
the ear with the dropper, have another person insert the drops if possible.
To make it more comfortable to use, you may hold the container in your hand
for a few minutes to warm the solution.
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. Lie on your side or tilt the affected 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. In children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep
the head tilted for about 5 minutes or insert a soft cotton plug if so
directed. Repeat for the other ear if so directed.
Your doctor may direct you to give this medication in
another way by placing a cotton wick in the ear canal and moistening it
with the prescribed number of drops. The wick should be replaced at least
once a day.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the cap after each
use.
Your dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Do not use this medication more often than
prescribed or for longer than 5 to 7 days unless directed by your
doctor.
For the best effect, use this medication at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is
finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the
medication too early may result in a return of the infection. If treatment
is for allergies/swelling, then stopping too soon may result in a return of
symptoms.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Stinging/burning (more common when used in the eyes) for
1 to 2 minutes may occur when this medication is applied. If any of these
effects last or get worse, 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 infection and may increase your risk for
other eye problems (such as glaucoma, cataracts, delayed wound healing). Do
not use this medication for longer than prescribed.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- new or worsening eye/ear symptoms (such as discharge, pus,
swelling, redness)
- dizziness/feeling of spinning
- vision changes
- eye pain
- hearing loss
- ringing in the ears
- unsteadiness/loss of balance
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
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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 framycetin, gramicidin, or dexamethasone;
or to other aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin); or
to other corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone); or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
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:
- glaucoma/increased pressure inside the eye (if you are using
this drug as eye drops)
- ear or eye infections due to fungus or certain viruses
(herpes) or bacteria (tuberculosis, chlamydia)
- punctured eardrum (if you are using this drug as ear
drops)
- recent ear/eye surgery or injury (such as cataract, ear
tubes)
- diabetes
If you are using this product in your eye(s), your
vision may become temporarily blurred. 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.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
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 use this medication for more than 5 to 10 days,
lab and/or medical tests (such as ear or 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 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.
Store at room temperature. Once the bottle is opened,
this medication expires after 28 days. 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.