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Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Hydrocortisone, Otic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: neomycin, polymyxin B, and cortisol, otic; neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone, otic; AK-Spore H.C. Otic; Antibi Otic; Antibiotic Ear Solution; Cort-Biotic; Cortatrigen Modified Ear Drops; Cortisporin Otic; Drotic; Ear-Eze; Lazer Sporin C; Octicair; Otic-Care; Otitricin; Otobiotic Otic; Otocort; Pediotic; UAD-Otic

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in the ears to treat infections and relieve inflammation.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

  • a ruptured ear drum
  • an allergy to any medicine
  • repeated ear infections.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Use this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes for as long as prescribed. Do not use it for more than 10 days unless your health care provider tells you to do so. Do not stop using this medicine without your health care provider's approval. Stopping the medicine too soon may cause the symptoms to return.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not touch the tip of the dropper to your ear or any other surface. Shake the bottle well before using.

Lie on your side with the affected ear up. For adults, hold the earlobe up and back. For children, hold the earlobe down and back. Put in the number of drops prescribed. Remain lying down for 5 minutes, or put a clean cotton plug in the ear to keep the medicine from running out.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

If your symptoms do not improve in a few days or if they get worse, tell your health care provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Swelling, redness, discharge, or pain in your ear.

Other: Stinging or burning when the medicine is used.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.


This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

Developed by McKesson Provider Technologies.
Published by McKesson Provider Technologies.
Last modified: 2005-01-20
Last reviewed: 2005-01-19
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2005 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.