This medication is used to treat conditions involving
swelling (inflammation) of the eyes and to treat or prevent bacterial eye
infections. This product contains neomycin and polymyxin, antibiotics that
work by stopping the growth of bacteria. It also contains dexamethasone, an
anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that works by reducing
swelling.
This medication treats/prevents only bacterial eye
infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections and may
worsen them (such as infections caused by viruses, fungi, mycobacteria).
Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased
effectiveness.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually 4 to 6 times a day. To apply eye drops, wash your
hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it
touch your eye or any other surface. Shake the bottle well before each
dose.
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.
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 one 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. The
dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
treatment.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after
each use.
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 use this medication more often than prescribed or
for longer than 10 days unless directed by your doctor.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if
symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may
result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
in a few days.
Stinging/burning of 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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects
occur:
- new or worsening eye symptoms (such as discharge, swelling,
redness)
- vision problems
- eye pain
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 neomycin, polymyxin, or dexamethasone; or
to aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin, tobramycin); or to
corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone); or if you have any
other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as
preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), 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:
- other eye problems (such as glaucoma)
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred or unstable. 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 10 days or longer, lab
and/or medical tests (such as 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. Some brands may also need to
be stored upright. Check the product package for instructions on how to
store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Throw away this medication and do
not use it if the solution turns brown or cloudy or contains particles.
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.