Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B (Ophthalmic)

• Neomycin, Bacitracin, and Polymyxin B
• Polymyxin B, Bacitracin, and Neomycin

Bacitracin: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by preventing transfer of mucopeptides into the growing cell wall.

Neomycin: Interferes with bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 30S ribosomal subunits.

Polymyxin B: Binds to phospholipids, alters permeability, and damages the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane permitting leakage of intracellular constituents.

Hypersensitivity to neomycin, polymyxin B, bacitracin, or any component of the formulation

For ophthalmic use only; not for injection into the eye. Avoid contamination of the tip of the ointment tube.

Store at room temperature.

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Neomycin sensitization: Neomycin may cause cutaneous sensitization. Symptoms of neomycin sensitization include itching, reddening, edema, and failure to heal. Discontinuation of product and avoidance of similar products should be considered.

• Ocular effects: May retard corneal wound healing.

• Superinfection: Prolonged use may lead to overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection is suspected, institute appropriate alternative therapy.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: For topical ophthalmic use only. Do not introduce directly into anterior chamber of the eye. Inadvertent contamination of multiple-dose ophthalmic tube tip has caused bacterial keratitis.

Apply to the affected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours for 7 to 10 days

Data not available

Bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies have not been reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic is only recommended for use during pregnancy when need has been clearly established.

There are no data on the excretion of bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B ophthalmic into human milk. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used when administering bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B to nursing women.