Neo-Polycin

Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B are antibiotics that kill bacteria.

Neo-Polycin (for the eyes) is a combination medicine used to treat bacterial infections of the eye or eyelid.

Neo-Polycin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you take.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to bacitracin, neomycin, or polymyxin B.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any antibiotic eye medication.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

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

Neo-Polycin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe itching or watering of your eyes;
• eye pain; or
• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (these may be signs of infection);

Less serious side effects may happen more often, and you might not experience any at all.

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 the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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 ointment: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment from the tube into this pocket. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes using a clean tissue.

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

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

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

An overdose of Neo-Polycin is not expected to be harmful. Get emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may affect your reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that needs clear vision.

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

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

• Can you buy antibiotics over the counter?