Neo-Polycin HC (ophthalmic)

Generic name: bacitracin, hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B (ophthalmic) [ BAS-i-TRAY-sin, HYE-droe-KOR-ti-sone, NEE-oh-MYE-sin, and-POL-ee-MIX-in-B-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand name: Neo-Polycin HC
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids with anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 11, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Neo-Polycin HC ophthalmic?

Neo-Polycin HC 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.

Neo-Polycin HC is used when there is a risk of bacterial infection in or around the eye.

Neo-Polycin HC may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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.

Neo-Polycin HC 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 Neo-Polycin HC 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 bacitracin, hydrocortisone, neomycin, or polymyxin B, or if you have a fungal or viral infection of the eye (including herpes).

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.

Neo-Polycin HC ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use Neo-Polycin HC?

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.

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

Related/similar drugs

ciprofloxacin ophthalmic, azithromycin ophthalmic, triamcinolone ophthalmic, dexamethasone ophthalmic, levofloxacin ophthalmic, Humira, erythromycin ophthalmic, gentamicin ophthalmic, azathioprine, atropine ophthalmic

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 Neo-Polycin HC 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 Neo-Polycin HC?

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

What other drugs will affect Neo-Polycin HC?

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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