Let's learn about this eye ointment for eye infections? (Neomycin; Polymyxin B; Bacitracin; Hydrocortisone)

Is your eye suddenly red, itchy, and a little swollen? When you go to see a doctor, they may give you a small tube of medicine (ointment) to put in your eye. It has a long, hard-to-read name. So, what exactly is this medicine? What does it do? How exactly do you use it? Let's talk about all of this today.

What exactly is this medicine? What is it used for?

Simply put, this is a combination of four types of medicine. That means there are four main types of medicine in one pill.

1. Three types of antibiotics: Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Bacitracin are three types of antibiotics that kill bacterial infections. Their main function is to kill the bacteria that are causing the infection in your eye and control the infection.

2. A type of steroid: Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid that helps reduce swelling, redness, and itching in your eyes.

This means that while this medicine kills the germs that caused the infection, it also controls the symptoms of the infection, such as pain, swelling, and redness. This will help you feel relief quickly.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before using this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important, because the doctor will use this information to decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.

• Any other active infection: If there is another infection in the body in addition to the eye infection.
• Glaucoma: If you have glaucoma or a family member has it, steroids can sometimes increase eye pressure.
• If you have recently had cataract surgery.
• If you use contact lenses.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
• If you are allergic to Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Bacitracin, Hydrocortisone , or any other corticosteroid contained in this medicine, or to any other medicine, food, or dye.

It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor without hiding these things.

How do you use this ointment exactly?

This medicine is for eye use only. Do not use it for anything else. The best results can only be achieved by using it correctly.

1. Wash your hands first: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. This will prevent germs from getting into your eyes and spreading them to other areas.

2. Preparation: Tilt your head back slightly and look up. Gently pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger. This will create a small pouch-like space.

3. Applying the medicine: Now, make sure that the mouth of the medicine tube does not touch your eye, fingers, or anywhere else . Doing so can introduce germs into the tube. Then, squeeze the tube tightly and apply a thin line of ointment to the inner side of the lower eyelid that you have made.

4. Spreading: After applying the medication, close your eyes and allow the medication to spread throughout your eyes. Do not close your eyes tightly.

5. Only use as directed: Do not use more than the prescribed number of times.

6. Complete the course: Even if you feel a little better, finish the entire course of medication for the number of days your doctor prescribed . Otherwise, the infection may come back. Do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice.

When given to small children?

If you are giving this medicine to children, talk to your pediatrician about it. Special precautions may be needed.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

What if the medicine is used too much?

If you accidentally put too much of this medicine in your eye or if someone swallows it, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Things to keep in mind when using this medicine

• If the condition does not improve: If there is no improvement after two days of using the medicine, or if the condition worsens, tell your doctor immediately.
• Long-term use: Do not use this medicine continuously for more than 10 days unless directed by your doctor.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you can wear them while taking the medication and when you should start wearing them again.
• Allergy symptoms: If you experience burning or stinging in your eyes after using the medicine and it persists, it may be an allergy to this medicine. If this happens, stop using the medicine and talk to your doctor.
• Preventing the spread of infection: To prevent the infection from spreading to others or to your other eye, do not share your used towels, handkerchiefs, or medication tubes with others. Throw away any remaining medication when you finish the course of medication.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.

If you experience any other side effects not listed here, talk to your doctor about them as well.

How to store the medicine?

• Keep away from children: This is very important. Always keep medicines out of the reach of small children.
• Temperature: Store at room temperature (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat or cold.
• After expiration: Throw away any remaining medicine after the expiration date on the tube. Do not use it.

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