Gramicidin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic

Gramicidin, neomycin, and polymyxin B are antibiotics that fight bacteria.

Gramicidin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination medicine used to treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or blepharitis (eyelid inflammation).

Gramicidin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to make a small pocket. Hold the dropper above your eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Store at room temperature, away from heat and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to gramicidin, neomycin, or polymyxin B, or if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy to certain antibiotics (kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, or gentamicin).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Gramicidin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• eye pain, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage;
• skin rash;
• worse eye infection symptoms; or
• swelling, itching, and redness of your eyelid.

Common side effects of gramicidin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic may include:

• burning, stinging, itching, or other eye irritation;
• blurred vision;
• eye redness;
• watery eyes; or
• increased sensitivity to light.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

An overdose of gramicidin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not share this medicine with another person, or the eye dropper could spread infection.

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.