Neomycin and Polymyxin B

Generic name: Neomycin and Polymyxin B [ nee-oh-MYE-sin-& pol-i-MIKS-in-bee ]
Brand name: Neosporin G.U. Irrigant
Drug class: Topical antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 31, 2024.

Uses of Neomycin and Polymyxin B:

• It is used to rinse the bladder.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Neomycin and Polymyxin B?

• If you have an allergy to neomycin, polymyxin B, or any other part of neomycin and polymyxin B.
• If you are allergic to neomycin and polymyxin B; any part of neomycin and polymyxin B; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have a torn bladder.
• If you have had recent bladder surgery.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with neomycin and polymyxin B.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take neomycin and polymyxin B with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Neomycin and Polymyxin B?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take neomycin and polymyxin B. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your urine checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• Do not use neomycin and polymyxin B for more than 10 days unless told to do so by your doctor.
• Do not use on open wounds, burns, or irritated surface areas.
• If you are 65 or older, use neomycin and polymyxin B with care. You could have more side effects.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking neomycin and polymyxin B, call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Neomycin and Polymyxin B) best taken?

Use neomycin and polymyxin B as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Most of the time, neomycin and polymyxin B will be given in a doctor's office.
• Do not take neomycin and polymyxin B by mouth. It is for use as a bladder rinse only.
• Follow what your doctor has told you to do.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in hearing.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• Muscle weakness.

What are some other side effects of Neomycin and Polymyxin B?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Bladder irritation.
• Skin irritation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Neomycin and Polymyxin B?

• If you need to store neomycin and polymyxin B at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about neomycin and polymyxin B, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer