osudhkosh

Generic

Bacitracin Zinc + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymixin B Eye prep

2 brands available in the market

At a glance

Bacitracin Zinc + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymixin B Eye prep is a combination antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial eye infections. It is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Description

Bacitracin Zinc + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymixin B is a combination ophthalmic preparation used for the treatment of bacterial eye infections. This combination of three antibiotics provides broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.

Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis and disrupting DNA synthesis. It is active against gram-negative aerobes and some strains of staphylococci. Bacitracin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and is active against gram-positive bacteria. Polymyxin B disrupts the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane of most gram-negative organisms.

Eye drops: 1-2 drops 3-4 times daily. Eye ointment: Apply ½ inch ribbon to conjunctival sac of affected eye(s) every 3-4 hours for 7-10 days for acute infections.

Indications
  • Bacterial eye infections (blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis)
  • Post-operative infection prevention
  • Neonatal eye infections
Therapeutic class

Ophthalmic Antibiotic Combination

Pharmacological class

Aminoglycoside + Polypeptide + Polymyxin

Pharmacology

Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis and disrupting DNA synthesis. It is active against gram-negative aerobes and some strains of staphylococci.

Bacitracin inhibits bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis and is active against gram-positive bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci, corynebacteria, clostridia) and some gram-negative species (Neisseria and Haemophilus influenzae).

Polymyxin B binds to membrane phospholipids, disrupting the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane of most gram-negative organisms, allowing leakage of intracellular constituents.

Mechanism of action

Neomycin binds to the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting protein synthesis. Bacitracin inhibits bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis. Polymyxin B disrupts the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. This combination provides broad-spectrum activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Dosage

Adults and Children:

  • Eye Drops: 1-2 drops 3-4 times daily
  • Eye Ointment: Apply ½ inch ribbon to conjunctival sac of affected eye(s) every 3-4 hours for 7-10 days (for acute infections)
Administration

For ophthalmic use only. Shake well before use. Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye or any surface. Keep eyes closed for 1-2 minutes after application. If using other eye drops, maintain 5-10 minutes gap.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, apply as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Side effects
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Burning sensation
  • Anaphylactic reactions
  • Swelling
  • Conjunctival erythema
Precautions & warnings
  • Excessive use may lead to systemic absorption causing nephrotoxicity (polymyxin B sulfate) and neurotoxicity (bacitracin)
  • Prolonged use may cause overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi
  • Consult doctor before use if wearing contact lenses
  • Caution during pregnancy and lactation
Contraindications
  • Hypersensitivity to bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin B, or any component
Drug interactions
  • Bacitracin Zinc: Increased nephrotoxicity risk with other nephrotoxic drugs; may enhance neuromuscular-blocking agents
  • Neomycin Sulphate: Additive nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effects with other aminoglycosides, cisplatin, vancomycin, amphotericin B, polymyxin B, colistin; enhanced toxicity with potent diuretics; may reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives
  • Polymyxin B: Additive neurotoxic or nephrotoxic effects with bacitracin, streptomycin, neomycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, colistin; increased risk of respiratory paralysis with neuromuscular blockers
Food interactions

No food restrictions (topical application).

Use in pregnancy

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Limited safety data during pregnancy (Category C). Use only if clearly needed and under medical supervision.

Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.

Use in lactation

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Excretion in breast milk is unknown. Use with caution in nursing mothers.

Pediatric use

Pediatric dosage is same as adults (1-2 drops 3-4 times daily or ½ inch ribbon of ointment). Consult doctor before use in neonatal eye infections.

Geriatric use

No dose adjustment needed for elderly patients.

Renal / hepatic impairment

Systemic absorption with topical application is minimal, but caution is advised in severe renal or hepatic impairment.

Overdose effects

Overuse may cause systemic absorption and toxicity. Consult a doctor if symptoms occur.

Storage conditions

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Chemical structure

Bacitracin Zinc + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymyxin B Sulphate

Common questions

What is this eye prep used for?
It is used for bacterial eye infections such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and keratitis.
How should it be used?
Eye drops: 1-2 drops 3-4 times daily. Ointment: ½ inch ribbon every 3-4 hours for 7-10 days.
What are the side effects?
Rash, itching, burning, allergic reactions, swelling, and conjunctival redness.
Can it be used during pregnancy?
Category C. Consult your doctor before use.
How to store?
Store in a cool, dry place, away from light.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.