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Gramicidin/Polymyxin B - Ophthalmic/Otic

Pronunciation: gram-ih-SIE-din/paw-lee-MIX-in B

Common Brand Name(s): Optimyxin

Important: How To Use This Information

This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Uses

This medication is a combination of antibiotics used to treat or prevent eye or ear infections.

How To Use

For best results, use this medication exactly as directed. This medication is used as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily. It is important to use this drug at evenly spaced intervals.

Continue to use this medication for the full-prescribed amount of time even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping this medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve in several days.

EYE: To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using the eye drops. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place the dropper directly over the eye and apply the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the inside corner of your eye near your nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the cap tightly after use.

If you are also using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications.

EAR: To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface. Lie on your side or tilt the affected ear upward. Place the dropper directly over the ear and use the prescribed number of drops.

To roll drops into the ear, pull the ear lobe up and back for adults, and down and back for children.

Keep the head tilted for about 2 minutes or insert a soft cotton plug if directed by your doctor. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the cap tightly after use.

Side Effects

Redness, burning, stinging, or itching of the eye or ear, or blurred vision may occur for a few minutes after applying the drops. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • rash
  • severe itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • dizziness
  • trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • other eye or ear problems

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you can do it safely.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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