Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Hydrocortisone (Ophthalmic)
   
Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Hydrocortisone (Ophthalmic)
US Brand Names
• Ak-Spore H.C. Ophthalmic Suspension
• Cortisporin Ophthalmic Suspension
Canadian Brand Names
• Cortisporin Eye/Ear Suspension
Description
Neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone (nee-oh-MYE-sin, pol-i-MIX-in bee, and hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone) is a combination antibiotic and cortisone-like medicine. It is used to treat infections of the eye and to help provide relief from redness, irritation, and discomfort of certain eye problems.
Neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone combination is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
Special Considerations
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic drops, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or to any related antibiotic, such as amikacin (e.g., Amikin), colistimethate (e.g., Coly-Mycin M), colistin (e.g., Coly-Mycin S), gentamicin (e.g., Garamycin), kanamycin (e.g., Kantrex), netilmicin (e.g., Netromycin), paromomycin (e.g., Humatin), streptomycin, or tobramycin (e.g., Nebcin). Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives.
Pregnancy
Neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic preparations have not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that topical corticosteroids cause birth defects. Special Considerations, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic drops have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
Children
Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of ophthalmic neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone combination in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic drops. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
• Any other eye infection or condition or
• Glaucoma-Use of neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic drops may make the condition worse
• Cataract surgery, recent-Use of neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone ophthalmic drops may delay healing or cause other problems
Administration
The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.
To use:
• First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment , even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses .
Dosing
The dose of ophthalmic neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone combination will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of ophthalmic neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone combination. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of doses you use each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you use the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using ophthalmic neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone combination .
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not use any leftover medicine for future eye problems without checking with your doctor first . This medicine should not be used on many different kinds of infection.
Storage
To store this medicine:
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions
If you will be using this medicine for more than 10 days, your doctor should check your eyes at regular visits.
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Stop using this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Fainting; lightheadedness (sudden and severe); shortness of breath or trouble breathing (severe); swelling around face.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Itching, rash, redness, swelling, or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medicine.
Rare
Blurred vision or other change in vision; delayed healing of eye infection.
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if either of the following side effects continues or is bothersome:
Less common
Burning or stinging when applying medicine.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
June 11, 1999 
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