Neomycin, Polymyxin, Dexamethasone - Ophthalmic

How is this medication useful?

Neomycin, polymyxin, and dexamethasone eye drops and eye ointments are used to treat infection and inflammation of the eye.

The FDA (US Food & Drug Administration) has approved this medication for use in humans, but it is not officially approved for use in animals. You and your veterinarian can discuss why this medication is the most appropriate choice.

What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?

Many things might affect how well this medication will work in your animal. Be sure to discuss the following with your veterinarian sotogether you can make the best treatment decisions.

• Be sure to tell your veterinarian and pharmacist what medications (including other eye medications, vitamins, supplements, orherbal therapies) you give your animal, including the amount and time you give each.

• Tell your veterinarian about any conditions or diseases your animal may have now or has had in the past.

• If your animal has been treated for the same disease or condition in the past, tell your veterinarian about the treatment and how well it did or didn’t work.

• If your animal is pregnant or nursing, talk to your veterinarian about the risks of using this medication.

• Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about any medication side effects (including allergic reactions, lack of appetite, diarrhea, itching, hair loss) your animal has developed in the past.

How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?

This medication should start having effects within 1 to 2 hours. Your animal’s signs should start improving after that time.

The effects of this medication are short-lived, meaning they will stop working within 24 hours.

When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?

No drug is 100% safe in all patients, but your veterinarian will discuss with you any specific concerns about using this medication in your animal.

This medication SHOULD NOT be used in patients:

• That are allergic to it or drugs like it

• With an eye ulcer

This medication should be used WITH CAUTION in:

• Animals that are pregnant or nursing

• Diabetic animals

• Animals with glaucoma

• Cats. Rarely, they may have a severe allergic reaction to this medication.

If any of these apply to your animal, talk to your veterinarian about the potential risks versus benefits of using this medication.

What are the side effects of this medication?

Side effects that are usually not serious include:

• Mild burning, stinging, irritation, or redness of the eyes

• Drooping of the eyelid

If any of these signs are severe, worsen, or continue to be a problem, contact your veterinarian.

Side effects that may be serious or indicate a serious problem:

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing may indicate a severe allergic reaction.

• Squinting, eye drainage, or reddening of the whites of the eyes. These may be signs of a worsening eye infection.

• Blood sugar changes in diabetic animals.

If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?

Overdoses are unlikely when this medication is applied to the eye, but side effects can occur if your animal eats the medication. If this happens, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center for further advice. Animal poison control centers that are open24 hours a day include: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661); a consultation fee is charged for these services.

How should this medication be given?

For this medication to work, give it exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. Always check the label to be sure you are giving the medication correctly.

• Some forms of this medication need to be shaken well before use. Check the instructions on the product label.

• Wash your hands before applying this medication.

• Do not touch the dropper tip with your hands. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch your animal’s eye or any other surface.

• Apply to your animal’s eye(s) as directed by your veterinarian.

• If you are giving more than one eye medication to your animal, wait 5 minutes between each medication. Apply eye drops before applying eye ointments.

• If you are having difficulty applying the medication or your animal does not accept the treatment, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist for tips to help with administration and reducing the stress of medication time.

• This medication can be given for various lengths of time. Be sure you understand how long your veterinarian wants you to continue giving this medication. Prescription refills may be necessary before the therapy will be complete. Before stopping this medication, talk to your veterinarian, as there may be important reasons to continue its use.

What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?

If you miss a dose, wait and give the next dose when it is usually time to do so. Do not double-up or give extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

• Store in the original container.

• Make sure the cap is tightly closed.

• Store at room temperature.

• Keep out of reach of other animals and children.

  
  

Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?

• There are no specific precautions required when handling this medication unless you are allergic to it. Wash your hands after handling any medication.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

• Do not flush this medication down the toilet or wash it down the sink. If a community drug “take-back” program is available, use this option. If there is no take-back program, throw the medication out with the regular trash.

• Do not save leftover medication for future use or give it to others to use.

What other information is important for this medication?

• Use of this medication may not be allowed in certain animal competitions. Check rules and regulations before entering your animalin a competition while this medication is being administered.

If you have any other questions about this medication, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.