Neomycin, polymyxin b, and hydrocortisone (Otic)

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

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Antibiotic Otic
• Casporyn HC
• Cort-Biotic
• Cortisporin
• Cortomycin
• Oti-Sone
• Pediotic

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution
• Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Anti-Infective/Anti-Inflammatory Combination

Pharmacologic Class: Adrenal Glucocorticoid

Chemical Class: Neomycin

Uses for neomycin, polymyxin b, and hydrocortisone

Neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone combination ear drops is used to treat infections of the ear canal and to help provide relief from redness, irritation, and discomfort of certain ear problems. It is also used to treat ear infections as a complication after ear surgery (eg, mastoidectomy, fenestration).

Neomycin and polymyxin B belong to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. They work by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth. Hydrocortisone is a steroid medicine that is used to relieve the redness, itching, and swelling caused by ear infections.

Neomycin, polymyxin b, and hydrocortisone is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using neomycin, polymyxin b, and hydrocortisone

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 hydrocortisone, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to neomycin, polymyxin b, and hydrocortisone 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

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone ear drops in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone eye drops in the elderly.

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 ...