Neomycin Sulfate / Polymyxin B Sulfate / Bacitracin Zinc

Pronunciation: (NEE-oh-MY-sin SULL-fate/pal-ee-MIX-in B SULL-fate/Bass-ih-TRAY-sin zingk)Class: Antibiotic

Trade Names:Neosporin- Ophthalmic Ointment 10,000 units/g polymyxin B sulfate, 3.5 mg/g neomycin, and 400 units/g bacitracin zinc

Neosporin Ointment (Canada)

Pharmacology

Bacitracin

Interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis by inhibiting regeneration of phospholipid receptors involved with peptidoglycan synthesis.

Neomycin

Inhibits protein synthesis by binding to ribosomal RNA, causing bacterial genetic code misreading.

Polymyxin B

Interacts with phospholipid components of bacterial cell membrane, increasing cell wall permeability.

Indications and Usage

Treatment of steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions for which a corticosteroid is indicated and where bacterial infection or a risk of bacterial ocular infection exists; inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe where the inherent risk of steroid use in certain infective conjunctivitis is expected to obtain a diminution in edema and inflammation; chronic anterior uveitis and corneal injury from chemical, radiation, or thermal burns or penetration of foreign bodies; when risk of infection is high or where there is expectation that potentially dangerous numbers of bacteria will be present in the eye.

Contraindications

Epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, varicella, and many other viral diseases of the corneal and conjunctiva; mycobacterial eye infections; fungal diseases of the ocular structures; uncomplicated removal of a corneal foreign body; hypersensitivity to any component of the product.

Dosage and Administration

Eye

Ophthalmic Instill 1 or 2 gtt in the eye every 3 or 4 h or more frequently as required. Acute infections may require administration every 30 min, with decreasing frequency as the infection is brought under control.

Lids

Ophthalmic Instill 1 or 2 gtt in the eye every 3 to 4 h, close the eye, and rub the excess on the lids and lid margins.

General Advice

• For ophthalmic use only. Not for use in the ears or on the skin.
• Do not allow tip of tube to touch eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface.
• If using other topical ophthalmic medications, instill drops first, wait at least 5 min, and instill ointment last.

Storage/Stability

Store below 77°F. Keep tube tightly capped. Protect from freezing.

Drug Interactions

None well documented.

Laboratory Test Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

EENT

Elevated IOP with possible development of glaucoma; optic nerve damage; posterior subcapsular cataract formation; delayed wound healing; secondary infection; fungal infection; acute anterior uveitis and perforation of the globe.

Miscellaneous

Allergic sensitivity.

Precautions

Pregnancy

Category C .

Lactation

Excreted in breast milk.

Children

Safety and efficacy not established.

Superinfection

Prolonged use may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth of nonsusceptible microorganisms.

Cross-sensitivity

Allergic cross-sensitivity to kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and possibly gentamicin may occur.

Glaucoma

Prolonged use may result in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and posterior subcapsular cataract formation.

Secondary infection

Secondary bacterial ocular infection following suppression of host responses may occur.

Patient Information

• Review prescribed dosing schedule with patient, family, or caregiver.
• Remind patient, family, or caregiver that suspension is for use in the eye only.
• Teach patient, family, or caregiver proper technique for instilling ointment: wash hands; do not allow tip of tube to touch eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface. Pull lower eyelid down to form pocket; place prescribed amount of ointment in the pocket. Gently close eye; do not rub eye.
• Advise patient, family, or caregiver that if more than 1 topical ophthalmic drug is being used, instill eye drops first, wait at least 5 min, and then instill ointment last.
• Inform patient that temporary blurred vision and stinging of the eye are the most common adverse reactions and to contact health care provider if these symptoms occur and are bothersome.
• Advise patient to contact eye doctor if eye or eyelid inflammation is noted or if eye symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Advise patient that the entire course of therapy must be completed to ensure max benefit and to complete full course of therapy even if symptoms have resolved.
• Instruct patient not to wear contact lenses during treatment.
• Remind patient, family, or caregiver that follow-up eye examinations may be necessary while using this medication and to keep appointments.

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