Hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B (ophthalmic)

Generic name: hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B (ophthalmic) [ HYE-droe-KOR-ti-sone, NEE-oh-MYE-sin, and-POL-ee-MIX-in-B-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: AK-Spore HC Ophthalmic, Cortomycin Suspension, Neo/PolyB/HC
Dosage form: ophthalmic suspension (1%-0.35%-10000 units/mL)
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids with anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 18, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination antibiotic and steroid medicine that is used to treat eye inflammation caused by uveitis, eye injury, radiation, chemical burns, or certain other conditions.

hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B is used when there is a risk of bacterial infection in or around the eye.

Hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B ophthalmic side effects

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

Hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe itching, redness, or swelling of your eyes;

• eye discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• pain behind your eyes, sudden vision changes; or

• a wound that will not heal.

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

• mild eye itching or irritation; or

• eye redness.

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.

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you have a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, neomycin, or polymyxin B, or if you have a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma;

• cataracts, or if you need cataract surgery; or

• an allergic reaction to a medicine like neomycin (such as kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, or gentamicin).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

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

How should I use hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B?

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.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the 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.

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.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment.

If you use this medicine for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature. Do not freeze.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, diclofenac ophthalmic, azithromycin ophthalmic, ciprofloxacin ophthalmic, triamcinolone ophthalmic, triamcinolone, dexamethasone ophthalmic, levofloxacin ophthalmic, prednisolone ophthalmic, Humira

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of hydrocortisone, 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.

What should I avoid while using hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B?

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

What other drugs will affect hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B?

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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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