Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Gramicidin, Ophthalmic
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Gramicidin, Ophthalmic during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- This is a three-antibiotic eye drop used for eye infections caused by bacteria.
- Clean your hands before you use it. To keep the bottle clean, do not let the tip touch your fingers, your pet’s eye, or anything else.
- Usual effects that may happen include slight redness of the eye or more tearing.
- Some cats can be allergic to one of the antibiotics in this product. If your pet has trouble breathing or you notice swelling of the face after this medicine is given, contact your veterinarian right away.
- If your pet is getting more than one eye medicine, leave 5 minutes between each one. Put in eye drops first, and use eye ointments after.
Note: This handout is meant to answer common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine and does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
This is an eye drop that contains three antibiotics.
Other common names
- Neosporin
- triple antibiotic
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it in a way that is not on the human label for:
- Helping prevent or treat bacterial eye infections in dogs, cats, and other animals
- Treating corneal ulcers and wounds (damage to the clear front surface of the eye) in dogs, cats, and other animals
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your pet is taking
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted effects your pet has had from medicines in the past
- The risks of using this medicine if your pet is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use:
- In animals that have an allergy to any of the active ingredients
Use with caution:
- In cats. Some cats may be more likely to have an allergic reaction.
Certain medicines are not permitted in some animal competitions. When your animal is taking a medicine, check the rules and requirements.
Warnings for humans
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
- If you are allergic to any of these antibiotics, wear gloves or do not handle the medicine.
How do I give this medication?
Use it exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed. Always follow what is written on the prescription label.
- Before giving it, wash your hands.
- Do not touch the dropper tip with your hands. Do not let the tip touch your pet’s eye or any other surface.
- Put the medicine into the affected eye(s) exactly as your veterinarian instructed.
- If your pet is receiving more than one eye medicine, wait 5 minutes between each one. Use eye drops before using eye ointments.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if any of the following are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Mild redness of the eye or increased tearing
- Brief squinting right after the medicine is put in
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Swelling, redness, irritation, or itching of the eye or eyelid
- Squinting that does not go away
- Trouble breathing or loud/noisy breathing. This may be a sign of a serious allergic reaction.
How will I know it's working?
Your pet should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days. You should see steady improvement in your pet’s signs during the full treatment period.
Contact your veterinary clinic if your pet’s signs get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
This medicine will no longer work within 24 hours after the final dose.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be prescribed for different lengths of time. Keep giving it for the full time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
It is important to complete the full treatment course, even if your pet seems to be feeling better.
Overdose
Giving too much is not likely when the medicine is used in the eye. If your pet eats this medicine, diarrhea or other side effects may happen.
If you see or think an overdose has happened, contact your veterinarian.
If possible, have the product or the label available.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is close to the next scheduled dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep at room temperature.
- Keep away from moisture and direct light.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine in a toilet and do not pour it down a sink. Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Medicine take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- Home disposal: Put it in the household trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”