Dexamethasone, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B are combined in this medicine.
This medicine is used to treat inflammation of the eye and treat or prevent eye infection.
Use Dexamethasone + Neomycin + Polymyxin B exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as an eye drop suspension or ointment.
To use the eye drop suspension:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Shake the bottle well before using.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes and do not blink for a few seconds.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
To use the eye ointment:
- Wash and dry your hands before applying the ointment.
- With your index finger, pull the lower eyelid down the eye to form a pouch.
- Hold the tube with your other hand and place it as near to your eyelid as possible without touching it. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment (about 1/2 inch ribbon) into the pouch.
- Look downward then let go of the eyelid and blink a few times. Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for a few minutes.
- Wipe any excess ointment from the eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. With another clean tissue, wipe the tip of the tube clean.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
Do not allow the tip of the container of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids or any other surface. Recap the eye drop or ointment tube immediately after use. If this medicine becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Dexamethasone + Neomycin + Polymyxin B, wait for at least 5 minutes before using the other medicine. Eye ointments should be used last.
Do not share your eye drop or eye ointment with anyone else.
If your symptoms persist or do not improve after 2 days, inform your doctor.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Dexamethasone + Neomycin + Polymyxin B if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have any untreated viral, parasitic, or fungal infections of the eye as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- history of viral eye infection
- disease that causes thinning of the layer of the eye
- personal or family history of diabetes
- previous cataract surgery
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Dexamethasone + Neomycin + Polymyxin B to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with this medicine if you have a bacterial eye infection.
If your doctor allowed you to wear contact lenses while being treated with the eye drops, remove your contact lenses before using the eye drops and wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
For as long as you are using this medicine, you may need to have your eyes checked regularly. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this test.
Dexamethasone + Neomycin + Polymyxin B may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: eye itching, discomfort, irritation, pain, swelling; headache, sensitivity to light, increase in pupil size and increase tear production.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, cobicistat
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) applied to the eyes
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dexamethasone + Neomycin + Polymyxin B.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.
Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed after use.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Throw away any remaining eye drops or ointments 28 days after opening. Mark the date of opening on the bottle or tube so that you know when to discard it.