What is neomycin and polymyxin b sulfates used for

Information about Bacitracin + Neomycin + Polymyxin B

Reviewed By

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

10 Jun 2022 | 03:44 PM (UTC)

Available Medicine for Bacitracin + Neomycin + Polymyxin B

NeosporinGlaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹16 to ₹1756 variant(s)

Expert advice for Bacitracin + Neomycin + Polymyxin B

  • Bacitracin + Neomycin + Polymyxin B helps treat bacterial skin infections.
  • Use it once or twice daily, or as advised by your doctor. Treatment should be continued until at least two days after the condition has resolved.
  • Do not apply it to broken skin and take care to avoid getting it in your eyes, nose or mouth. 
  • Do not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages unless directed by a doctor, as this may increase the risk of side effects. 
  • It may cause temporary burning, itching or a redness at application site. This is usually mild. Consult your doctor if you experience a more severe reaction.
  • Do not use it more often or for longer than advised by your doctor. Inform your doctor if your skin problem does not improve even after seven days of treatment.

Frequently asked questions for Bacitracin + Neomycin + Polymyxin B

Bacitracin + Neomycin + Polymyxin B

Q. How to use Bacitracin+Neomycin+Polymyxin B?

Follow the directions given by the doctor on the medicine. Apply the medicine thinly and in sufficient quantity to cover the affected areas. Bacitracin+Neomycin+Polymyxin B is usually applied two or three times a day to the affected areas of skin. Wash your hands after using Bacitracin+Neomycin+Polymyxin B, unless it is used for treating skin infection on the hands.

Q. Can I stop applying Bacitracin+Neomycin+Polymyxin B when my symptoms are relieved?

No, do not stop taking Bacitracin+Neomycin+Polymyxin B and complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured.

Q. What precautions need to be taken while using Bacitracin+Neomycin+Polymyxin B?

Bacitracin+Neomycin+Polymyxin B should not be used on the face. Do not use the medication for longer than the advised periods of time. Do not apply a bandage or dressing to the area being treated, as this will increase absorption of the preparation and increase the risk of side effects. This medicine should only be used by the patient and never be given to other people even if their condition appears to be the same.

Q. Will a higher than the recommended dose of Bacitracin+Neomycin+Polymyxin B be more effective?

No, Bacitracin+Neomycin+Polymyxin B will not be more effective if overused. Overusing the medicine can result in too much medicine being absorbed into the body. This may lead to thinning or weakening of the skin and other serious side effects. If you are experiencing increased severity of your symptoms, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.

Q. What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Bacitracin+Neomycin+Polymyxin B?

Keep this medicine in the packet or the container it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.

What is this medication?

NEOMYCIN; POLYMYXIN B; DEXAMETHASONE (nee oh MYE sin; pol i MIX in B; dex a METH a sone) is a combination of a steroid and antibiotics. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, and itching of the eye. It also is used to treat eye infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AK-Trol, Maxitrol, NeoPolyDex, Ocu-Trol, Poly-Dex

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the end of the ointment tube to apply a thin layer of the ointment to the inside of the eyelid. Close the eye gently to spread the ointment. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional. Do not use for longer than instructed by your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without asking your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Check with your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better, or if it gets worse.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor or health care professional when you can use your lenses again.

A burning or stinging reaction that does not go away may mean you are allergic to this product. Stop using and call your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can make certain eye conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your doctor or health care professional has prescribed.

To prevent the spread of infection, do not share eye products, towels, and washcloths with anyone else.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

See product for storage instructions. Each product may have different instructions. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What happens if you put neomycin in your eye?

Stinging/burning of the eyes for 1 to 2 minutes or temporary blurred vision may occur when this medication is applied. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

How do you use neomycin and polymyxin B sulfate for eyes?

Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Use one or two drops in the affected eye 4 to 6 times a day. Your doctor may tell you to use the drops more often during severe infections. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

How long does it take for neomycin and polymyxin to work?

Your symptoms should begin to improve during the first few days of treatment with neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination. If your symptoms do not improve after one week or get worse, call your doctor.

What does neomycin do for ears?

Neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone combination ear drops is used to treat infections of the ear canal and to help provide relief from redness, irritation, and discomfort of certain ear problems. It is also used to treat ear infections as a complication after ear surgery (eg, mastoidectomy, fenestration).