Dexamethasone + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymyxin B Sulphate

This preparation is indicated for the short term treatment of steroid responsive conditions of the eye when prophylactic antibiotic treatment is also required, after excluding the presence of fungal and viral disease.

Dexamethasone (Corticosteroids) suppress inflammatory response to a variety of agents and they probably delay or slow healing. Since corticosteroid may inhibit the body's defense mechanism against infection, a concomitant antimicrobial drug may be used when this inhibition is considered to be clinically significant in a particular case. The anti-infective component in the combination is included to provide action against specific organisms susceptible to it.

Neomycin Sulphate is considered active against the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Streptococcus Viridans, Escherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Aerobacter aerogenes, and Haemophilus influenzae.

Polymyxin B Sulphate is considered active against the following microorganism: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aerobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Koch-Weeks bacillus.

When a decision to administer both a corticosteroid and an antimicrobial is made, the administration of such drugs in combination has the advantage of greater patient compliance and convenience, with the added assurance that the appropriate dosage of both drugs is administered, plus assured compatibility of ingredients when both types of drugs are in the same formulation and, particularly, that the correct volume of drug is delivered and retained.

Apply one or two drops to each affected eye up to six times daily or more frequently if required. Severe infections may require one or two drops every 15-20 minutes initially, reducing the frequency of instillation gradually as the infection is controlled. Or as directed by registered physician.

There are no known drug interactions and none well documented.

Hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation. Herpes simplex and other viral diseases of the cornea and conjuctiva. Fungal disease and ocular tuberculosis.

Reactions occurring most often are allergic sensitisations. The reactions due to the steroid component are elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) leading to optic nerve damage, posterior subcapsular cataract formation and delayed wound healing.

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. Unknown if excreted in breast milk; minimal systemic absorption with ophthalmic administration

Prolonged use should be avoided as it may lead to skin sensitisation and emergency of resistant organisms. Because of risk of steriod glaucoma and cataract formation, the intraocular pressure and lens must be checked frequently during use of the preparation.

Ophthalmic steroid - antibiotic combined preparations