Polymyxin Bacitracin And Neomycin Description

Generic Name : POLYMYXIN, BACITRACIN, and NEOMYCIN

Pronunciation : (pol i mix' in) (bass i tray' sin) (nee oh mye' sin)

Trade Name(s) : Neosporin-eye, Ocupol-D, Pychlor-Dexa

Why it is prescribed: This combination of antibiotics is used to treat eye infections and to prevent and treat localized skin infections.

When it is to be taken: For skin infections, the combination of polymyxin, bacitracin, and neomycin usually is used two or three times a day. For eye infections, it is used once a day or as often as every three or four hours. Follow the instructions on the label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. If your infection persists or worsens, contact your doctor.

How it should be taken: This medication comes in ointment that is applied to the skin and in eye ointment. When using the skin ointment, wash the affected area thoroughly. Then gently apply a small amount of ointment. You may cover the area with a sterile gauze dressing. To use the eye ointment, follow these steps:
(1) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
(2) Use a mirror or have someone else apply the ointment.
(3) This ointment must be kept clean. Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye, eyelid, hands, or any other possible sources of contamination.
(4) Lie down or tilt your head back.
(5) Holding the tube between your thumb and index finger, place the tube as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
(6) Brace the remaining fingers of your hand against your cheek or nose.
(7) With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
(8) Place a small amount of ointment in the pocket made by your lower lid and eye.
(9) Blink your eye gently.
(10) Replace and tighten the cap right away.
(11) Wipe off any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again to remove any medication.

Special Instruction :
1. If you obtained this medication without a prescription, do not use it for more than seven days.
2. Do not apply this medication to a child's diaper area, especially if the skin is raw, unless directed to do so by a doctor. If you are directed to apply it to a child's diaper area, do not use tightly fitting diapers or plastic pants. They can increase the absorption of neomycin and cause harmful effects.
3. Do not apply cosmetics or other skin preparations to the treated area without consulting your doctor.
4. If you forget to apply a dose, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it and then resume your regular schedule. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, apply only the scheduled dose. Do not apply a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Skin or eye irritation, burning, inflammation, redness. Contact your doctor.
2. Skin rash, itching, swelling of lips and face, sweating, chest tightness, and faintness; hearing difficulty; decreased urination. Stop using the medication and contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Other Precautions :
1. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to a skin or eye preparation containing bacitracin, neomycin, or polymyxin.
2. If you have kidney disease, ask your doctor for advice on treating your infection.
3. Apply only small amounts to cuts, burns, sores, and wounds; do not apply the medication more frequently than as directed because neomycin can be absorbed into the body through broken skin and cause kidney problems and hearing difficulty.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.