Type of medicine: antibiotic
Generic and brand names: neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin, ophthalmic; Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment
This medicine is used in the eyes to treat infections. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any antibiotic.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have herpes, chickenpox, or an infection of the eye. Also tell your provider if you wear contact lenses.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more of it or use it more often than directed. Use the medicine until your healthcare provider tells you to stop.
Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicines to your eyes. Tilt your head back and look up. Gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch.
Hold the tube in your hand for a minute or two to warm the medicine so it will flow easily from the tube. When you open the tube for the first time, squeeze a little out and throw it away because it may be dry. Pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch. Squeeze a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch ribbon of ointment into the pouch. After you apply the ointment, close your eyes and roll them in all directions to spread the medicine around.
To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye or any other surface. After use, put the cap on tightly.
Your vision will be blurred for a little while after using the ointment. Avoid activities that require good vision until you can see clearly.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Do not use this medicine for any other eye condition unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not share eye medicines with others. Do not rub your eyes.
If your eyes do not get better in a few days or if they get worse, contact your healthcare provider.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider if you can continue to wear them while you are using this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in contacts.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Any new redness, irritation, or swelling that develops while you are using the medicine; rash; change in your vision; eye pain.
Other: Temporary burning or stinging feeling, temporary blurred vision.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are using any other eye medicines. You may need to allow some time between doses of the different medicines.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
