NEOMYCIN; POLYMYXIN B; HYDROCORTISONE (nee oh MYE sin; pol i MIX in B; hye droe KOR ti sone) is used to treat ear infections.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
any other active infections
chronic ear infections or fluid in the ear
perforated ear drum
an unusual or allergic reaction to neomycin, polymyxin B, hydrocortisone, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medicine is only for use in the ears. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Clean your ear of any fluid that can be easily removed. Do not insert any object or swab into the ear canal. Gently warm the bottle by holding it in the hand for 1 to 2 minutes. Lie down on your side with the infected ear facing upward. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your ear, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the bottle gently to put the prescribed number of drops in the ear canal. Stay in this position for 30 to 60 seconds to help the drops soak into the ear. Repeat the steps for the other ear if both ears are infected. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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CHAT NOWWhat may interact with this medication?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use other ear products without talking to your doctor or health care professional.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
rash
red, itchy, dry scaly skin at the affected site
worsening ear pain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
abnormal sensation in the ear
burning or stinging while putting the drops in the ear
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your ear infection does not get better in a few days. Do not use longer than 10 days unless instructed by your doctor or health care professional.
If rash or allergic reaction occurs, stop the product immediately and contact your physician.
It is important that you keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry. When bathing, try not to get the infected ear(s) wet. Do not go swimming unless your doctor or health care professional has told you otherwise.
To prevent the spread of infection, do not share ear products, or share towels and washcloths with anyone else.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.