Neomycin, Polymyxin, and Hydrocortisone Otic

Neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination is used to treat outer ear infections caused by certain bacteria. It is also used to treat outer ear infections that can occur after certain types of ear surgery. Neomycin and polymyxin are in a class of medications called antibiotics. They work by stopping the growth of bacteria. Hydrocortisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the ear to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.

Neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination comes as a solution (liquid) and a suspension (liquid with undissolved particles) to instill in the ear. It is usually used in the affected ear(s) three to four times a day for up to 10 days. Use neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination is only for use in the ears. Do not use in the eyes.

Your symptoms should begin to improve during the first few days of treatment with neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination. If your symptoms do not improve after one week or get worse, call your doctor.

To use the eardrops, follow these steps:

1. Hold the bottle in your hand for 1 or 2 minutes to warm the solution.

2. If you are using the suspension, shake the bottle well.

3. Clean and dry the affected ear canal thoroughly with a sterile cotton applicator.

4. Lie down with the affected ear upward.

5. Place the prescribed number of drops into your ear.

6. Be careful not to touch the dropper tip to your ear, fingers, or any other surface.

7. Remain lying down with the affected ear upward for 5 minutes.

8. Repeat steps 1-6 for the opposite ear if necessary.

   If you prefer, you may place a cotton wick into the ear canal, and then the cotton may be saturated with the ear drops. The wick should be replaced at least once every 24 hours.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to neomycin (Neo-Fradin, Mycifradin, others); polymyxin; hydrocortisone (Anusol HC, Cortef, others); aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin (Gentak, Genoptic), kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and tobramycin (Tobrex, Tobi); sulfites; any other medications; or any of the ingredients in neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone solution or suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• tell your doctor if you have a hole or tear in your ear drum or if you have an ear infection caused by a virus such as chickenpox or herpes. Your doctor will probably tell you not to use neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination, call your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use extra ear drops to make up for a missed dose.

• Neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • burning or stinging after instilling the medication

  • skin thinning

  • small white or red bumps on the skin

  • acne

  • unwanted hair growth

  • skin color changes

• Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination and call your doctor immediately:

  • hearing loss, which may be permanent

  • skin redness, swelling, or itching

  • skin dryness or scaling

  • decreased urination

  • swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet

  • unusual tiredness or weakness

• Neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic combination may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

• If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.