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 causes 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 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. 

Bacterial infections. 

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.

Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the medicine to your eye to avoid contamination. Please do not touch the ointment tube tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Tilt your head back, look upward and create a pouch by pulling your lower eyelid down. Squeeze the tube gently and place a 1/2 strip of ointment into the pouch. Close your eye and roll the eyeball to ease the spreading of medication. Do not try to blink, and avoid rubbing the eye. After using, wipe the tip of the tube with a clean tissue and close the cap tightly.

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

• Itching
• Redness
• Dryness
• Eye irritation