Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone
About Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone belongs to the class of 'antibiotics' and is primarily used to treat bacterial infections of the external eye and uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea)). Bacterial infection occurs when harmful bacteria grow in the body and cause illness. Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone will not work for infections caused by fungi and viruses.
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone is composed of four medicines: Bacitracin, Hydrocortisone, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B. Bacitracin is a bacteriostatic medicine (stops the growth or reproduction of bacteria). It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Hydrocortisone belongs to the class of corticosteroids. It blocks the production of prostaglandins (chemical messengers) that make the affected area red, swollen and itchy. On the other hand, Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic and prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Polymyxin B, an antibiotic, destroys the bacterial membranes by binding to the phospholipids on the cell membranes of gram-negative bacteria. This process of binding causes the loss of essential metabolites in bacteria.
Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose that suits your infection. Common side effects of Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone include itching, redness, dryness, and eye irritation. These side effects may not occur in every patient using this medication and differ individually. If the side effects persist longer or worsen, please seek a doctor's advice.
Let your doctor know if you are sensitive to Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone or any other medications. Let your doctor know if you have kidney disease, myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disease), or Parkinson's disease (a brain disorder that affects movement) before using Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone. Avoid contact of the dispensing container with the eye, eyelids, fingers, and other surfaces to prevent contamination. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone.
Uses of Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone
• Treating bacterial eye infections: Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone helps to prevent and treat infections in the eye by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.
• Relief from eye irritations: Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone involves reducing the irritation, redness, and burning caused by infection, chemicals, heat, radiation, foreign bodies in the eye, and other eye conditions.
• Reduce eye inflammation: Hydrocortisone in Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone helps in reducing inflammation, providing relief from eye discomfort.
Medicinal Benefits
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone treats bacterial eye infections. It comprises four medicines, namely Bacitracin, Hydrocortisone, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B. Bacitracin is a bacteriostatic medicine (stops the growth or reproduction of bacteria) and works by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis. Bacitracin is active against many gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid and blocks prostaglandins' production (chemical messengers) that make the affected area red, swollen and itchy. Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic and prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Polymyxin B, an antibiotic, destroys the bacterial membranes by binding to the phospholipids on cell membranes of gram-negative bacteria. This process of binding causes the loss of essential metabolites in bacteria. It is bactericidal against most gram-negative bacteria and has no in-vitro activity against gram-positive bacteria.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Pull your lower eyelid gently with your index finger to form a pocket. Instil the number of drops advised by the doctor into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip to prevent contamination.
Storage
Side Effects of Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone
- Itching
- Redness
- Dryness
- Eye irritation
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you are sensitive to Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone or any other medications. Let your doctor know if you have any kidney disease, myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disease), or Parkinson's disease (a brain disorder that affects movement) before using Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone. Avoid contact of the dispensing container with the eye, eyelids, fingers, and other surfaces to prevent contamination. Let your doctor know if you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant and a lactating mother. Avoid driving or operating machines since the administration of eye ointment may cause temporary blurred vision for a while after use. Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone should be used for children only when advised by a doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor of all the medications you take, including any eye medicines, before you use Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone.
Drug-Food Interaction: No drug-food interactions found/ established. However, avoiding fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine can effectively manage bacterial infections.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Brief your doctor if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medicines, heart, liver and kidney diseases, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, and other eye problems before using Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo interaction found/ established. Please consult your doctor before using Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is advised to consult your doctor if you plan to conceive or already pregnant before starting Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere are limited studies on how Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone affects breastfed infants. Please consult your doctor before taking Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionPolymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone may cause side effects like temporary blurry vision, affecting your driving ability. Do not drive or operate machinery in such cases. Drive only when you are alert and have clear vision.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone.
Children
cautionPolymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone should be used for children only If it is prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do not rub your eyes even though some ophthalmic drugs make your eye itchy.
- If you wear contact lenses: Clean and replace contact lenses more often. Never share contact lenses. Always remember to wash your hands before inserting and after removing the contact lens.
- Avoid staring at digital screens for longer durations. Rest your eyes every 20 minutes.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Know your allergy triggers, such as pollen, dust and other factors.
Special Advise
It is advised to reach out to your doctor if the bacterial infection symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial eye infection: A bacterial eye infection occurs when bacteria invade any part of the eyeball or its surrounding tissues, including the cornea (clear front surface of the eye) and the conjunctiva (thin membrane lining the outer eye and inner eyelids). A bacterial eye infection symptoms include red eyes, pain, swelling of the eyes, watery eyes, itching, and blurry vision. Some very common eye infections are conjunctivitis (the inflammation and irritation of the eye's mucous membrane (conjunctiva), stye (bump on the eyelid), uveitis inflammation of the uvea (middle layer of the eye), marginal keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).
FAQs
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone is used to treat bacterial infections of the external eye and uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea)).
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone consists Bacitracin, Neomycin, Hydrocortisone, and Polymyxin B. Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone inhibits bacteria's growth by causing damage to its cell wall and prevents the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out its vital functions. It also relieves itchiness and redness caused by the infection.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone based on the severity of your infection. It is advised to use Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone only for the prescribed period since long-term usage of Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone may increase the severity of side effects. Prolonged use of Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone can cause an overgrowth of other microorganisms like fungi and develop bacterial resistance.
Please do not stop using Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone on your own, even if the symptoms are relieved. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Continue the usage of Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone until your course advised by the doctor is finished.
Avoid the contact of dropper or tip with fingers, eyes, and eyelids when you use eye ointment or eye drops of Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone. Topical eye products, when contaminated by patients with eye diseases, bacterial keratitis (an infection of the cornea) and ocular infections (eye infections), may occur, which result in vision loss.
If you use other eye ointments/drops along with Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone, it is advised to maintain a gap of at least 5-10 minutes after each administration. Also, use eye drops before applying any ointments.
It is generally not recommended to apply cosmetic products to the affected area unless advised by the doctor.
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone can be applied to the affected areas in or around the eyes and skin to treat bacterial infections. However, it is essential to use separate tubes for eye and skin infections to avoid contamination and maintain the efficacy of the treatment. Using the same tube for both areas may introduce bacteria from one site to another, potentially leading to further complications. Always follow your doctor's guidance when using this medication for different areas.
You should use Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone for as long as your doctor has prescribed, based on the severity of your condition. However, if your symptoms do not improve or worsen within 2 days after starting treatment, stop using Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone and contact your doctor. If you use this medicine for longer than 10 days, you may need frequent vision tests to check the pressure inside your eyes. Always follow your doctor's instructions for the best results.
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone may cause common side effects, such as itching, redness, dryness, and eye irritation. Usually, these fade away with time. In case these side effects persist longer or worsen, please seek your doctor's advice.
Overusing Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone may increase the risk of side effects (such as eye irritation, redness, or dryness) and contribute to antibiotic resistance, making the treatment less effective. Prolonged use of Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone may also lead to decreased or blurred vision. To minimize these risks and get the potential benefits of Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone, always follow the dosage and duration your doctor directs.
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Do not freeze it. Keep it out of reach of children.
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone is generally safe for short-term use on the skin to treat minor infections and inflammation. However, it should be used as directed by your doctor, as overuse or prolonged use may cause side effects like skin irritation. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns about the safety of Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone.
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone can be beneficial and harmful, depending on its use. It can effectively treat eye infections and inflammation, but improper use or overuse may lead to side effects. Following your doctor’s advice for safe and effective use is important.
Wash your hands thoroughly before applying Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone to your eye to avoid contamination. Do not touch the tip of the ointment tube or allow it to touch your eye or any other surface. Tilt your head back, look upward, and create a pouch by pulling your lower eyelid down. Gently squeeze the tube to place a 1/2-inch strip of ointment into the pouch. Close your eye and roll your eyeball to help spread the medication. Avoid blinking or rubbing your eyes. After use, wipe the tip of the tube with a clean tissue and tightly close the cap.
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone should not be used by patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients. It should be avoided by individuals with fungal or viral eye infections, including herpes simplex. It is also not recommended for use by children under 18 years old.
To achieve the maximum benefits, you should apply Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone at the time and for the duration prescribed by your doctor. It is typically applied every 3-4 hours, around the same time each day, until the prescribed course of treatment is complete.
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone is not recommended for treating pimples. It is specifically formulated for eye infections and may not be effective or safe for pimples. Additionally, Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone may cause skin irritation or worsen acne. Please consult your doctor for the appropriate treatment of pimples.
Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone specifically is not a steroid. However, it contains hydrocortisone, which is a steroid. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that effectively reduces inflammation, while the other ingredients in Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone are antibiotics. Therefore, Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone has both steroid and antibiotic properties.
No, Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone is not an antifungal. It is a combination of three antibiotics (Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B) and an anti-inflammatory (Hydrocortisone) used to treat bacterial infections and reduce eye inflammation. These ingredients do not address fungal infections.
Yes, Polymyxin B+neomycin+bacitracin+hydrocortisone is commonly used to treat minor skin and eye infections, including those caused by cuts, burns, and radiation. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, especially for more profound or severe wounds.
