Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Gramicidin ophthalmic: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

What is neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin used for?

Neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin is commonly used for certain eye infections caused by bacteria, including the following.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye), which is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed
Keratitis, which is a condition where the clear covering over the pupil and the colored section of the eye are inflamed
Keratoconjunctivitis, which is keratitis and conjunctivitis combined
Blepharitis, which is a condition where the eyelids are inflamed
Blepharoconjunctivitis, which is blepharitis and conjunctivitis combined

Neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin, which will make it not work as well.

Neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin work (mechanism of action)?

Neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create proteins that they need to grow and reproduce and by weakening their cell membrane.

How is neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin supplied (dosage forms)?

Neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin is available as Neosporin and generic neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin in the following dosage forms that are applied to the eye.

1.75 mg/10,000 units/0.025 mg per milliliter (mL) ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin?

Neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light. Keep the medicine container tightly closed until you are ready to use it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin?

The most common side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Eye itching
Eye swelling
Eye redness

There may be other side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain
Itching, swelling, or redness of the eyes or eyelids

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin.

Neomycin
Polymyxin B
Gramicidin
Neosporin
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin products they stock.

What should I know about neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin before using it?

Do not use neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider.

Use neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin as prescribed. Using it in a way other than it was prescribed may increase the chance that the bacteria will develop resistance to neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin. This may cause neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin to not work as well in the future.

Only use neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin for an infection if your healthcare provider has prescribed it for this reason. If symptoms of an infection return after using neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin, contact your healthcare provider.

Do not share neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin out of the reach of children.

Neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the medicine to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Do not inject neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin into the eye.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergic Reactions to Other Antibiotics. People who have had allergic reactions to kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, or gentamicin may experience a similar allergic reaction when using neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of an allergic reaction to any of these medicines.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Gramicidin ophthalmic interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin?

If you or someone else has used too much neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to neomycin/polymyxin B/gramicidin or other similar medicines.