Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Bacitracin, Ophthalmic
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Bacitracin, Ophthalmic during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- This is a “triple antibiotic” eye ointment. It is used for eye infections caused by bacteria.
- Clean your hands before you put it on. To keep germs out of the tube, do not let the tube tip touch your pet’s eye or touch any surface.
- Usual mild effects can include slight redness of the eye or more tearing.
- Some cats can have an allergy to one of the antibiotics in this ointment. Call your veterinarian right away if your pet has trouble breathing or if the face swells after this medicine is used.
- If your pet is getting more than one eye medicine, leave 5 minutes between each one. Put in eye drops first, then use eye ointments.
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 ointment that contains three antibiotics.
Other common names
- BNP
- triple antibiotic
- Vetropolycin
Uses
Approved uses in animals:
- Treating infections of the eye and eyelids caused by bacteria in dogs and cats.
At your veterinarian’s judgment, this medicine may also be used in other animals or for other purposes (this is called “extra-label use,” meaning it is used in a way not specifically listed), such as:
- Treating sores and injuries on the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea) in dogs, cats, and other species.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any 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 possible 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.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
- If you are allergic to any of these antibiotics, wear gloves or do not handle this product.
How do I give this medication?
Give it exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Follow the directions on the prescription label.
- Wash your hands before you give the medicine.
- Do not touch the tube tip with your fingers. Do not let the tip touch your pet’s eye or anything else.
- Put the ointment into the affected eye(s) exactly as your veterinarian instructed.
- If you are giving more than one eye medicine, wait 5 minutes between each one. Use eye drops first, then apply eye ointment.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Mild redness of the eye or increased tearing.
- Brief squinting after the ointment is put in.
- Puffiness, redness, irritation, or itching of the eye or eyelid.
- Squinting that does not go away.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Trouble breathing or loud/noisy breathing. This can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction.
How will I know it's working?
Your pet should begin to feel better in 1 to 2 days. You should notice steady improvement in your pet’s signs during the full treatment period.
Call 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 last dose.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different lengths of time. Keep giving it for the full time your veterinarian tells you to.
It is important to complete the full treatment course, even if your pet seems to be improving.
Overdose
Giving too much is not likely when this is used in the eye. If your pet eats this medicine, diarrhea or other unwanted effects may happen.
If you see or think an overdose happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service (a consultation fee applies):
- If possible, have the product or the label with you.
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 almost time for the next 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 extra doses or double the amount.
Storage
- Keep at room temperature.
- Keep away from moisture and direct light.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not pour this medicine into the sink or flush it in the toilet. Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take back sites: This is the best option when available. To locate a site near you, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- Home disposal: Put it in the household trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
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.”