Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic
A combination antibiotic and steroid eye ointment used to treat eye inflammation when bacterial infection is present or likely.
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand
The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 5 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →
📖 Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic: Patient Information Guide
A plain-language walkthrough of Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic — what it treats, how it works, how it’s taken, side effects, warnings and interactions. Tap any section to expand it.
🎯What it's used for▾
This combination eye ointment is used when the eye is inflamed and bacterial infection is present or likely. Supported uses include:
- Inflammatory conditions of the conjunctiva (the lining covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids), cornea, and front chamber of the eye
- Chronic anterior uveitis (ongoing inflammation inside the front of the eye)
- Eye injuries from chemical, radiation, or heat burns
- Eye injury from penetration of a foreign body
- Situations where dangerous numbers of bacteria may be present in the eye
The antibiotic components are active against common bacterial eye pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, E. coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella/Enterobacter species, Neisseria species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It does not provide adequate coverage against Serratia marcescens.
⚙️How it works▾
This ointment works on two fronts. Hydrocortisone (the steroid) suppresses the eye's inflammatory response, reducing swelling, redness, and discomfort. The three antibiotics — neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, and bacitracin zinc — target and kill a broad range of bacteria that commonly cause eye infections. Combining them in one ointment makes treatment more convenient and ensures both problems are addressed together.
Because steroids can reduce the eye's natural defenses against infection, pairing the steroid with antibiotics helps offset that risk when bacterial infection is a concern.
💊How it's taken▾
This ointment is applied directly to the affected eye — it is never injected. For adults and children 2 years and older, it is applied up to 3 to 4 times daily. Children under 2 years old should not use this product without a doctor's guidance. Always follow your prescriber's specific directions and the product label. Do not use longer than directed without medical supervision, especially because prolonged steroid use carries additional risks.
🤒Side effects — in detail▾
The most common side effects with this ointment include:
- Eye or eyelid itching, swelling, or redness — often a sign of antibiotic sensitivity
- Irritation when the ointment is applied
- Redness of the conjunctiva
- Slowed wound healing in the eye
- Increased pressure inside the eye (with longer use)
- Risk of secondary infections, including fungal or viral ones, with extended use
More serious but rare reactions include a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and optic nerve damage from prolonged elevated eye pressure. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice vision changes, significant eye pain, or symptoms that worsen rather than improve.
⚠️Warnings & precautions▾
- Do not inject into the eye — this product is for ophthalmic surface use only and must never be introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.
- Prolonged steroid use can raise eye pressure, potentially causing glaucoma or damage to the optic nerve. Eye pressure should be checked if used for 10 days or more.
- Long-term use may lead to posterior subcapsular cataracts (a type of cataract that forms at the back of the lens).
- The steroid can suppress the eye's immune defenses, making secondary infections — including fungal and viral — more likely with extended use.
- This ointment can worsen viral eye infections, including herpes simplex. Do not use if you have a viral eye infection unless specifically directed by your doctor.
- The antibiotic component, especially neomycin, can cause a sensitization reaction — watch for increasing itching, redness, or swelling that doesn't resolve.
- Corneal and scleral (white of the eye) tissue can thin with long-term corticosteroid use, risking perforation if the tissue is already thin.
🔀What it interacts with▾
The label does not identify specific drug-drug interactions for this ophthalmic ointment.
This is not a complete list of interactions. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
📋Before taking it▾
- Do not use if you have a viral eye infection such as herpes simplex keratitis, chickenpox, or smallpox-related eye infection — the steroid can make these significantly worse.
- Do not use if you have a fungal or mycobacterial (e.g., tuberculosis) infection of the eye.
- Use with caution if you have glaucoma — this ointment can further raise eye pressure.
- Tell your doctor if you are recovering from cataract surgery — the ointment may slow healing and increase certain surgical complications.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to neomycin or related antibiotics — antibiotic sensitization is more common with this type of product.
- Do not use in children under 2 years of age without consulting a doctor.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor before use.
📡Pharmacodynamics — effects in the body▾
The steroid component suppresses inflammation in the eye by reducing swelling, redness, and discomfort in conditions where the immune response is causing damage. The antibiotic components work against a broad range of common bacterial eye pathogens. However, the product does not provide adequate coverage against all bacteria — specifically, Serratia marcescens is not adequately covered.
📦How to store it▾
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) . KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN apexa™ Manufactured by: Akorn Inc.
📄 Written from Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Every point is grounded in that labeling — nothing is invented. How we use AI →
🩺 Pharmacist Counseling Corner
Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.
What exactly is this ointment supposed to do for my eye? ▾
How do I put an eye ointment in — it sounds tricky? ▾
What side effects should I actually watch out for? ▾
Can I use this for a long time if my eye stays irritated? ▾
I've heard neomycin can cause allergies — should I be worried? ▾
Are there eye conditions where I definitely should NOT use this? ▾
Is Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic available over the counter? ▾
When was Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic first available? ▾
Who makes Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic? ▾
💬 Answers drafted from Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Grounded in that labeling — nothing is made up. How we use AI →
🧰 Keep exploring
💊 How Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic comes
Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic is available in 1 form. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.
Eye ointment
How this form is used
- Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates, Bacitracin Zinc, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic Ointment is used for steroid-responsive inflammatory eye conditions where bacterial infection is present or at risk.
- Indicated for inflammation of the conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the eye.
- Used for chronic anterior uveitis and eye injury from chemical, radiation, thermal burns, or foreign bodies.
- Apply to the affected eye up to 3 to 4 times daily for adults and children 2 years and older.
- Do not inject into the eye — this ointment is for external ophthalmic use only.
- Do not use in children under 2 years of age without consulting a doctor.
- If using for 10 days or longer, have your eye pressure monitored regularly by your doctor.
📊 Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic across the U.S. market
How Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.
Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Kit (3) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.
Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.
📈 How widely Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic is used
A general measure of how commonly Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.
Think of this as a proxy for how widely Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.
How commonly is Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic prescribed? Of the 1,594 medications we measure, Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic ranks #1,292 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 19% of them.
Utilization by Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic product
Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.
Other Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic products — combination packs and listings not yet matched to a specific clinical product (kept visible so every prescription is accounted for)
Summed across the 2 of 7 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity.
Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.
Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 2 of 7 listed Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic NDCs with Medicaid activity.
🔍 Compare Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic products
A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)
| Strength | Route | Manufacturer / Labeler | Category ⓘ | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💊Eye ointment | ||||
| 400; 10; 3.5; 10000 [USP'U]/g; mg/g; mg/g; [USP'U]/g | Ophthalmic | Akorn | ANDA | View NDC → |
| NEOMYCIN SULFATE 3.5 mg/g; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE 10000 [USP'U]/g; BACITRACIN ZINC 400 [USP'U]/g; HYDROCORTISONE 10 mg/g | Ophthalmic | Bausch & Lomb Incorporated | ANDA | View NDC → |
| 400; 10; 3.5; 10000 [USP'U]/g; mg/g; mg/g; [USP'U]/g | Ophthalmic | Bausch & Lomb Incorporated × 2 listings | ANDA | View NDC → |
| 400; 10; 3.5; 10000 [USP'U]/g; mg/g; mg/g; [USP'U]/g | Ophthalmic | Henry Schein Inc. | ANDA | View NDC → |
| 400; 10; 3.5; 10000 [USP'U]/g; mg/g; mg/g; [USP'U]/g | Ophthalmic | Mwi | ANDA | View NDC → |
| 400; 10; 3.5; 10000 [USP'U]/g; mg/g; mg/g; [USP'U]/g | Ophthalmic | Padagis US LLC | ANDA | View NDC → |
| 💊Kits | ||||
| — | — | Dongguan Shenglian Tins Products Co., Ltd. | DRUG FOR FURTHER PROCESSING | View NDC → |
| — | — | Dongguan Shenglian Tins Products Co., Ltd. | OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG | View NDC → |
| — | Topical | Kroger | OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG | View NDC → |
Showing 10 of 10 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. For the full list, search the NDC directory →
📈 What people report — real-world data (FDA FAERS)
After a medicine reaches the market, patients, doctors and drugmakers can send the FDA reports of problems they think may be linked to it. Here’s what’s been reported for Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic — a signal of what to watch for, not proof the drug caused it.
Source: openFDA, from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). These are voluntary reports — they don’t prove the drug caused the effect, and counts reflect how often something was reported, not how often it actually happens. Reports also often name the very problem the medicine is taken for — a common reason to file one is that the drug didn’t help — so for a pain reliever you may see “pain” high on the list; that points to why the report was filed, not to the drug causing the symptom. This counts every report that lists Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic in any role, so the total runs higher than the FDA’s official dashboard, which counts only cases where the drug is the suspect. For the authoritative figures, see the FDA FAERS Public Dashboard. Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
🏛️ The road to your pharmacy
How Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic went from FDA review to the pharmacy shelf — the key milestones in its regulatory journey.
Source: Drugs@FDA.
🚨 Recall history
A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.
Source: openFDA drug enforcement (recall) reports.
📦 Supply & shortage status
Whether Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic is in short supply in the U.S. right now, plus any shortage history the FDA has on record. A shortage usually reflects a manufacturing or demand issue — not a safety problem with the drug.
Source: openFDA, from the FDA Drug Shortages database.
🏷️ Sold under these brand names
🏭 Manufacturers & labelers
RxNorm drug class
Neomycin, Polymyxin, Bacitracin, and Hydrocortisone Ophthalmic belongs to the Other antibiotics for topical use class.
Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.
🔬 Where this comes from
Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.
How we combine label and product data
HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records; we don’t author the underlying clinical facts. We identified 5 FDA-filed SPL label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. The representative label is the starting point for the displayed reference monograph; the 12 largest stored in-scope SPL records, which may include that representative, are compared section by section, and the longest available version of each section is retained. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, product-listed strengths, and product-record counts are aggregated separately from ingredient-matched FDA NDC Directory records; package records listed above are associated with the linked SPL; and the normalized concept hierarchy comes from NLM RxNorm.
Where a section is identified as AI-written, its plain-language text is generated from bounded label evidence. New draft drug pages remain in the admin review queue before first publication. Akorn is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates; it is not the sole source used for the page.
This is general education, not medical advice — always consult your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any medical condition. For the exact wording of the linked representative label, view that label on DailyMed; some displayed composite sections may come from other in-scope SPL labels. Learn how we use AI and our data sources & update cadence.