$Unique_ID{BRK02051}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{NEOMYCIN, POLYMYXIN B, AND BACITRACIN OR GRAMICIDIN COMBINATION
(OPHTHALMIC)}
$Subject{AK-Spore (Akorn)
Mycitracin ophthalmic (Upjohn)
neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin or gramicidin combination (various
manufacturers)
Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Gramicidin (Rugby)
Neosporin (Burroughs Wellcome)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


NEOMYCIN, POLYMYXIN B, AND BACITRACIN OR GRAMICIDIN COMBINATION (OPHTHALMIC)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     AK-Spore (Akorn)
     Mycitracin ophthalmic (Upjohn)
     neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin or gramicidin combination (various
       manufacturers)
     Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Gramicidin (Rugby)
     Neosporin (Burroughs Wellcome)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Ophthalmic antibiotic
INGREDIENTS:
     neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin (ointment only)
       or gramicidin (drops only)
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Ophthalmic drops (1.75 mg neomycin, 10,000 units polymyxin B, and 0.025
       mg gramicidin per ml)
     Ophthalmic ointment (3.5 mg neomycin, 10,000 units polymyxin B, and 400
       units or 500 units bacitracin per gm)
STORAGE:
     The ophthalmic drops and ointment should be stored at room temperature in
       tightly closed containers.  This medication should never be frozen.

USES

     This medication is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye.  It is
an antibiotic combination that is effective against a wide range of bacteria.
The medication acts by preventing the production of nutrients that are
required for growth of the infecting bacteria.  This medication is not
effective against infections caused by viruses or fungi.

TREATMENT

     Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medication.  In
order to prevent contamination of the medication, be careful not to touch the
tube portion of the dropper, and do not let the dropper touch your eye.
     Note that the bottle of eye drops is not completely full.  This is to
allow control of the number of drops dispensed.  To apply the eye drops, tilt
your head back and pull down the lower eyelid with one hand to make a pouch
below the eye.  Drop the prescribed amount of medicine into this pouch and
slowly close your eyes.  Try not to blink.  Keep your eyes closed, and place
one finger at the corner of the eye next to your nose for a minute or two,
applying slight pressure (this is done to prevent loss of medication through
the duct that drains fluid from the surface of the eye into the nose and
throat).  Then wipe away any excess with a clean tissue.  If you don't think
the medicine got into the eye, repeat the process once.  If you are using more
than one kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes before applying the
other medication(s).
     Follow the same general procedure for the ointment.  Tilt your head back,
pull down your lower eyelid, and squeeze the ointment in a line along the
pouch below the eye.  Close the eye and place your finger at the corner of the
eye near the nose for a minute or two.  Do not rub your eyes.  Wipe off excess
ointment and the tip of the tube with clean tissues.
     Since this medication is somewhat difficult to apply, you may prefer to
have someone else apply it for you.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, insert the drops or apply the
ointment as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next
application.  In that case, do not use the missed dose; just return to your
regular dosing schedule.
     Continue using this medicine for the entire time prescribed by your
doctor, even if the symptoms disappear before the end of that period.  If you
stop too soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and
the infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, burning, or stinging.  These side effects should
disappear as your body adjusts to the drug.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
disturbed or reduced vision and about itching, rash, redness, or swelling in
or around your eyes (other than the original symptoms of your infection).
Also, if the infection seems to be getting worse rather than improving,
contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     This medication should not interact with other medications as long as it
is used according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to neomycin, bacitracin, polymyxin B, gramicidin,
or any related antibiotics (such as amikacin, colistimethate, colistin,
gentamicin, kanamycin, netilmicin, paromomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, and
viomycin).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney
disease, an injured cornea, inner ear disease, or myasthenia gravis.
     * Do not use this medication for longer than ten consecutive days unless
your doctor directs you to do so.  Prolonged use of this drug may result in
eye damage.  If you need to use this medication for six weeks or longer, your
doctor may want you to have an eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medicine.  You should not give your medicine to other people or use
it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * In order to allow your eye infection to clear, do not apply makeup to
the affected eye.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
