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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic (Ocu-Cort)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, or hydrocortisone. Do not use this medication if you have a fungal or viral infection that affects your eyes, including herpes, chickenpox, or smallpox.

Before using bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have:

• glaucoma;
• cataracts; or
• a viral or fungal infection anywhere in your body.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone should not be used on a child.

How should I use bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic (Ocu-Cort)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment.

To use the ointment:

• You may warm the ointment by holding the medicine tube in your hand for a few minutes before use. Do not remove the cap from the tube until you are ready to apply the ointment.
• Tilt your head back slightly, and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid.
• Close your eye and roll your eyeball around for 1 to 2 minutes.

Do not allow the tip of the ointment tube to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the tip becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. Do not share the ointment with another person.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye.

To make sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your eyes will need to be checked on a regular basis during treatment. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone. You may need frequent eye exams if you use this medication for longer than 10 days. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if your infection gets worse while using this medication.

Store bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly capped when not in use.

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