Neomycin, polymyxin b, and gramicidin (Ophthalmic)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 14, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Neocidin
• Neosporin
• Ocu-Spor-G

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic Combination

Chemical Class: Neomycin

Uses for neomycin, polymyxin b, and gramicidin

Neomycin, polymyxin B, and gramicidin is a combination antibiotic medicine used to treat infections of the eye.

Neomycin, polymyxin B, and gramicidin combination is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using neomycin, polymyxin b, and gramicidin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For neomycin, polymyxin b, and gramicidin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to neomycin, polymyxin b, and gramicidin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on neomycin, polymyxin b, and gramicidin have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of this combination in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of neomycin, polymyxin B, and gramicidin combination in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of neomycin, polymyxin b, and gramicidin

The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 mi...