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Neomycin & Hydrocortisone

  • Neomycin and hydrocortisone eye and ear preparations are not usually used for more than seven days. If your symptoms do not improve within seven days or if they become worse, make an appointment to see your doctor.
  • This preparation is for external use only.
  • If you are using this preparation in the eyes and are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
  • After application into the eye you may experience blurred vision. Do not to drive or operate machinery unless your vision is clear.

About neomycin & hydrocortisone

Type of medicine Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory
Used for Inflammatory conditions of the eye or ear, particularly those caused by a bacterial infection
Also called Neo-Cortef
Available as Neocortef eye/ear ointment

Neomycin is used to treat bacterial infections, by killing the bacteria responsible for causing the infection and hydrocortisone relieves any inflammation, itching and pain you may be experiencing.

Before using neomycin & hydrocortisone

Before using neomycin & hydrocortisone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are treating an eye infection and you suffer from any conditions of the eyes including glaucoma.
  • If you are treating an ear infection and you have a perforated ear drum.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from hearing loss.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

How to use neomycin & hydrocortisone

Ointment for use in the eye:If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or crust they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with this preparation.

  • Wash your hands well before use.
  • Remove the outer cap.
  • Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
  • 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.
  • Apply enough pressure to the container to release a thin line of ointment along the inside of the lower eye lid.
  • Blink to spread the ointment around the inside of the eye.
  • Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use this preparation in both eyes.
  • Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so.
  • Wash your hands after use.

Ointment for use in the ear:

  • Wash your hands well before use.
  • Clean the ear with warm water and dry thoroughly; do not use soap to clean the ear.
  • Lie down, or tilt the head, so that the affected ear faces upwards.
  • Gently pull the earlobe to straighten the ear canal.
  • Squeeze a small amount of ointment into the ear.
  • Repeat in the other ear if you have been instructed to use this ointment in both ears.
  • Wipe the tip of the tube with a clean tissue and replace the cap securely.
  • Wash your hands after use.

Drops for use in the ear:
If you find it more comfortable, you may warm the ear-drops by holding the container in your hand for a few minutes before instilling into the ear.

  • Clean the ear with warm water and dry thoroughly; wash your hands well before use.
  • Remove the outer cap.
  • Lie down or tilt the head so that the affected ear faces upwards.
  • Gently pull the earlobe to straighten the ear canal.
  • Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the ear, try not to touch the inside of the ear.
  • Apply enough pressure to the container to release four to five drops.
  • Keep the ear facing up for a few minutes to allow the solution to come into contact with the affected area.
  • Repeat in the other ear if you have been instructed to use these drops in both ears.
  • Replace the outer cap on the container.
  • Wash your hands after use.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Apply this preparation exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Do not use this preparation more often, or for a longer period, than your doctor has directed you
  • Neomycin and hydrocortisone eye and ear preparations are not usually used for more than seven days. If your symptoms do not improve within seven days or if they become worse, make an appointment to see your doctor.
  • If you are using this preparation in the eyes and are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation. Always apply ointment last.
  • After application into the eye you may experience blurred vision. Do not to drive or operate machinery unless your vision is clear.
  • Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is nearly time to apply your next dose do not apply double the amount to make up for it.
  • This preparation is for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any of this medicine, or used too much, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Can neomycin & hydrocortisone cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Mild burning or stinging sensation in the ear or eye You may experience this when you first start using this preparation. If this does not disappear or it becomes severe, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Blurred vision after application into the eye Do not to drive or operate machinery unless your vision is clear.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store neomycin & hydrocortisone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Discard drops or ointment one month after opening.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before using this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking or using any medicine.
  • This preparation is for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any of this medicine, or used too much, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking or using.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1197
DocRef:
dils3693
Last Updated:
25 Oct 2006
Date of Next Review:
24 Oct 2008
Version:
22

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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