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neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic

Generic name: neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic [ nee-oh-MYE-sin-DEX-a-METH-a-sone-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Neo-Decadron, Neo-Decadron Ocumeter, AK-Neo-Dex, Neo-Dex, Neo-Dexair
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids with anti-infectives

What is neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Neomycin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections.

Dexamethasone is a steroid. It is used to treat the inflammation associated with bacterial infections of the eye.

Neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in your condition after a few days.

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.

Who should not use neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Do not use neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only.

Neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Use neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic eyedrops or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after using your eyedrops or ointment.

To apply the eyedrops:

To apply the ointment:

If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before your next application.

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, wash the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops or ointment have been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

What should I avoid while using neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

Use caution with contact lenses. Wear them only if your doctor approves. After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses.

Avoid other eye medications unless your doctor approves.

Neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic side effects

Serious side effects are not expected with this medication.

Some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, or sensitivity to light may occur.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Uveitis:

Steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions with superficial bacterial infection or risk of infection:
Initial dose: Instill 1 or 2 drops into the conjunctival sac every hour during the day and every 2 hours at night.
Maintenance dose: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac every 4 hours or 3 to 4 times daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions with superficial bacterial infection or risk of infection:
Initial dose: Instill 1 or 2 drops into the conjunctival sac every hour during the day and every 2 hours at night.
Maintenance dose: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac every 4 hours or 3 to 4 times daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Keratitis:

Steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions with superficial bacterial infection or risk of infection:
Initial dose: Instill 1 or 2 drops into the conjunctival sac every hour during the day and every 2 hours at night.
Maintenance dose: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac every 4 hours or 3 to 4 times daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis:

Steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions with superficial bacterial infection or risk of infection:
Initial dose: Instill 1 or 2 drops into the conjunctival sac every hour during the day and every 2 hours at night.
Maintenance dose: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac every 4 hours or 3 to 4 times daily.

Usual Adult Dose for Blepharitis:

Steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions with superficial bacterial infection or risk of infection:
Initial dose: Instill 1 or 2 drops into the conjunctival sac every hour during the day and every 2 hours at night.
Maintenance dose: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac every 4 hours or 3 to 4 times daily.

What other drugs will affect neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Avoid other eye medications unless they are approved by your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking an oral steroid medication such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others).

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with neomycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.