hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic

Do not use this medication in the eyes or take it by mouth. Hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic is intended for use in the ears only.

Do not touch the dropper opening to any surface, including the ears or hands. The dropper opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause another infection in the ear.

Notify your doctor if the condition does not improve or appears to worsen.

Neomycin and polymyxin B are antibiotics. They fight bacteria in the body.

Hydrocortisone is a steroid. It is used with neomycin and polymyxin B to reduce inflammation caused by an infection.

Together, hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B are used to treat ear infections.

Hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not use hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic if the ear drum (tympanic membrane) has ruptured (broken). It may be dangerous for medicine to get into the inner ear. A ruptured ear drum usually causes a considerable amount of pain. A decrease in hearing may also occur. Call your doctor if you suspect a ruptured ear drum. Your doctor will know if the ear drum is ruptured by looking into the ear with a special device (otoscope).

Do not use hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic without first talking to your doctor if you have had a previous allergic reaction to it or to an oral, topical, or ophthalmic (eye) medication containing one of these products. You may not be able to use hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Before using hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic, talk to your doctor if you have a history of recurrent or chronic ear infections.

It is not known whether hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic will be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not use hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Do not use this medication in the eyes or take it by mouth. Hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic is intended for use in the ears only.

In general, hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic should be used as follows:

• Clean the outer ear of any fluid or debris that can be easily removed with a clean cotton swab. Do not insert the cotton swab into the ear canal.
• Warm the drops slightly by holding them in the hands for 1 or 2 minutes. Administration of cold drops into the ear may cause dizziness. Do not warm the drops above body temperature.
• Have another person administer the drops whenever possible. Have the affected person lie on their side or tilt the ear up to make administering the drops easier.
• Gently shake the drops just before administration.
• For adults, gently hold the earlobe up and back. For children, gently hold the earlobe down and back. This will allow the drops to run into the ear canal. Carefully instill the prescribed number of drops in the first ear.
• Keep the ear tilted for approximately 5 minutes to allow the medication to penetrate the ear.
• Repeat the process in the other ear if prescribed.

Alternatively, your doctor may recommend placing a cotton wick into the ear and saturating the cotton with the medication. Readministration of the drops to the cotton wick will be needed and the cotton should be changed every 24 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions if this administration technique is recommended.

Use all of the medication that has been prescribed. Symptoms may begin to improve before the condition is completely treated. If you do not use all of the medication prescribed, the condition could return or worsen.

It is important to use hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic regularly to get the most benefit.

Notify your doctor if the condition does not improve or appears to worsen.

Store hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep the bottle properly capped.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected or if the medication has been ingested.

Symptoms of a hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic overdose are not known.

Ear infections may sometimes cause dizziness or a loss of balance. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities if you experience dizziness or a loss of balance.

Avoid getting water inside of the affected ear(s) during treatment with hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B. Care should be used while bathing and swimming may not be recommended. Talk to your healthcare provider.

Stop using hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor if you experience:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• skin rash; or
• ear drainage, discharge, or worsening pain.

Other less serious side effects may also occur such as itching or stinging in the ear. Continue to use the medication and talk to your doctor if these side effects seem excessive or unusual.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not use other ear drops during treatment with hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic without first talking to your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Your pharmacist has more information about hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic written for health professionals that you may read.

Hydrocortisone, neomycin, and polymyxin B otic is available with a prescription under several brand and generic names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.