Adult Dosing
Superficial bacterial infections of the eye
- Instill 1-2 gtt into the affected eye(s) q4 hrs x 7-10 days
- Severe infection: Instill 2 gtt into the affected eye(s) q1 hr
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- Should not be injected into the eye; therapy should not be directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye or injected subconjunctivally
- Topical antibiotic may cause cutaneous sensitization, manifested as itching, reddening, and edema of the conjunctiva and eyelid. Monitor the patient periodically during long-term treatment and discontinue use if any of these symptoms occur
- Overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi, has been observed with prolonged use of antibiotics. Initiate appropriate measures if such super infection occurs
- Bacterial resistance may develop. Discontinue treatment if purulent discharge, inflammation, or pain becomes aggravated and initiate appropriate treatment
- Bacterial keratitis associated with the use of topical ophthalmic products in multiple-dose containers has been reported, due to contamination of the container by the patients, most of whom had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial surface
- Allergic cross-reactions may occur which could prevent the use of any or all of the following antibiotics: kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and possibly gentamicin for the treatment of future infections
Supplemental Patient Information
- Instruct patients to avoid touching the tip of the dispensing container to the eye, eyelid, or any other surface in order to prevent contamination of the product; serious damage to the eye and subsequent vision loss may result from using contaminated products
- Advise patients to stop use and consult a physician if the condition persists or gets worse, or if a rash or allergic reaction develops
- Keep tightly closed when not in use. Keep out of reach of children
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Ophthalmic neomycin is excreted in very low levels in breastmilk and presents negligible risk to the infant. Polymyxin B is considered a low risk to the nursing infant, as it is poorly absorbed after topical application. This information is based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 24 May 2011). Manufacturer advises caution.
US Trade Name(s)
US Availability
gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B (generic)
- OPH SOLN: [0.025 mg/1.75 mg/10,000 U]/mL
Neosporin (gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B)
- OPH SOLN: [0.025 mg/1.75 mg/10,000 U]/mL
Canadian Trade Name(s)
- AK Spor
- Optimyxin Plus Oto-opht Gtte
Canadian Availability
AK Spor, Optimyxin Plus Oto-opht Gtte (gramicidin/neomycin/polymyxin B)
- OPH LIQ: [0.025 mg/1.75 mg/10,000 U]/mL
UK Trade Name(s)
UK Availability
Australian Trade Name(s)
Australian Availability
[Outline]