Neomycin eye preparations

About Neomycin eye preparations

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anti-infective eye preparations.

Neomycin may be mixed with other ingredients to help clear your eye infection.

Neomycin is available in drop and ointment form. It is also available in the form of single dose vials.

Before using Neomycin eye preparations

Before using neomycin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you wear soft contact lenses
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Neomycin eye preparations

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.

If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with neomycin.

EYE DROPS:

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap or the tip of the vial (if using unit dose vial)
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye with the nozzle
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops
6. Close the eye, and keep the eye closed for a minute or two
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use levobunolol in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface, including the eye or the fingers.
10. If you have been supplied the single dose vials, throw away the vial after each application Wash your hands

EYE OINTMENT:

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, trying not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release a thin line of ointment along the inside of the lower eye lid
6. Blink to spread the ointment around the inside of the eye
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use neomycin in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so
9. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use neomycin eye preparations exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses during your treatment.
• Your doctor may have prescribed drops to be used during the day and ointment for use at night.
• At first, the drops should be applied every two hours. As the infection improves, you can reduce this frequency down to four times a day. If using eye ointment alone, it should be applied three or four times a day.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• When the eye appears normal again, there may still be some bacteria present.
• It is important to continue using neomycin for a further 48 hours after the eye appears normal, to ensure that all of the bacteria have been killed.
• Do not use more often or for a longer period than your doctor had directed.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Strict attention to hygiene and cleanliness is important to prevent the infection spreading.
• Be careful to use separate towels to other members of your household.
• If only one eye is infected care must be taken to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other.
• Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.
• This preparation is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• This preparation is for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any of neomycin preparation, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Can Neomycin eye preparations cause problems?

Neomycin drops or ointment are unlikely to cause any side effects. If however, your condition becomes worse or if you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this preparation ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store Neomycin eye preparations

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Discard the eye drops or eye ointment four weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 08/07/2003