Let's learn exactly about the tube of medicine used for eye infections (Neomycin; Polymyxin B; Bacitracin)

Have you ever had a problem with your eyes being red, crusty, and so sticky that you can't open them in the morning? When you showed it to the doctor, he probably gave you a small tube of medicine to put in your eye. When you read the name, it's a bit long, isn't it? Neomycin, Polymyxin B , Bacitracin... Seeing these three names can make you a little scared. But don't worry. This is a very effective treatment for bacterial infections of the eyes. Today, we'll talk about this medicine, how it's used, and everything you need to know in a very simple and friendly way.

What exactly is this medicine?

Simply put, this is a combination of three antibiotics . To be precise, it is an ointment made by combining all three antibiotics together: Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Bacitracin.

Now you might be thinking, "Why not just one?" There's a good reason for that. Imagine that there are different types of bacteria that can cause eye infections. One antibiotic can only kill certain types of bacteria . Just like one key can only open one door. But if we put three keys together and make a key ring, we can open all three types of doors. That's how this medicine works. When these three antibiotics are combined, this medicine can fight a wide range of bacteria that cause eye infections .

Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will ask you a few questions. It is very important that you answer them honestly and honestly. This information will determine whether this medicine is right for you. Be sure to include the following in particular:

• Do you have any other allergies ?- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Bacitracin, or any other medicine, food, or dye in this medicine.
• Do you have glaucoma? - Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye increases. Some eye medications can affect this pressure. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor about this.
• Have you recently had cataract surgery? - Since the eyes are very sensitive after surgery, it is essential that the doctor is aware of the medications used.
• Do you wear contact lenses? - It is not a good idea to wear contact lenses while you have an eye infection. Also, ask your doctor if you can wear contact lenses while using this ointment and when you should start wearing them again.
• Are you pregnant? Or are you trying to get pregnant?
• Are you a breastfeeding mother?

All of this is very important for your safety and the success of your treatment.

How do you apply this eye cream properly?

Many people make small mistakes when applying eye drops. As a result, the treatment is not completely successful. So let's now see how to do this exactly, step by step.

1. Cleanliness first - Before doing anything, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them. This is a must. Otherwise, the germs on your hands can get into your eyes and make the infection worse.

2. Preparation - Sit in a chair or lie down on the bed, tilt your head back slightly, and look up.

3. Let's create a small pouch - With the index finger of one of your hands, gently pull down your lower eyelid. This will create a small pouch-like space between your eyelid and your eye, right? That's where we're going to put the medicine.

4. Carefully hold the tube - Now take the medicine tube in your other hand. The most important thing is, do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye , eyelid, fingertips, or anywhere else . If you do, germs can get into the tube and contaminate the medicine.

5. Amount of medicine to apply - Inside the small bag we made, slowly squeeze the tube and apply a small amount of ointment about the size of half a grain of rice . You don't need to apply a lot. A small amount is enough.

6. Spread - After applying the medication, slowly close your eye and wait for about a minute. Do not close your eye tightly. Gently rolling the eye back and forth will help spread the medication throughout the eye. Your vision may be slightly blurry for a while after applying the medication. This is normal.

7. Wash your hands again - After finishing work, wash your hands thoroughly again.

A few other important things to remember

• Complete the course: Don't stop taking the medicine just because your eye pain has subsided in a couple of days. Complete the entire course of treatment for the number of days your doctor tells you to use it. Otherwise, the dormant bacteria may become stronger again and the disease may start all over again.
• If used in children: If you are using this medicine on a child, you should take special care. Talk to your doctor about this and get advice.
• If you take too much medicine: Don't panic if you think you've taken more medicine than you think. Usually, putting a little too much eye ointment in your eye won't cause any harm. However, if someone accidentally swallows a large amount of this medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
• If you miss a dose: If you forget to take your medicine at the scheduled time, take the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time .

Things to be careful about when using this medicine

During treatment, pay attention to these points as well.

• Other eye medications: Tell your doctor if you are using other eye drops, such as this one, while using this ointment. If you are using two medications at the same time, leave at least 10 minutes between them.
• Prevent the spread of infection: Do not share your towels, pillowcases, or handkerchiefs with others. Also, washing your hands frequently can help prevent the infection from spreading to your other eye or to other family members.
• See your doctor again: If your symptoms do not improve after the prescribed treatment, or if they seem to be getting worse (e.g., pain increases, redness increases, vision becomes blurry) , see your doctor again without delay .

How do you store and remove the medicine tube?

• Storage: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat or cold. No need to refrigerate.
• Expiration: Do not use the medicine if it has passed the expiration date on the tube. Also, it is best to throw away any medicine left in the tube after 28 days (about a month) after opening it, as there is a risk of germs entering the tube after opening.
• Disposal: Do not flush unused or expired medications down the toilet or throw them in the trash. If possible, take them to a medication take-back program at a public hospital or some pharmacies. If that is not possible, remove the cap from the tube, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and place it in a tightly sealed container or can.

We hope you find this information very useful. Please remember that this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. As with any health issue, it is important to follow your doctor's advice.