Hydrocortisone + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymixin B: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Hydrocortisone + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymixin B is a fixed-dose combination of a corticosteroid (hydrocortisone) with two antibiotics(neomycin sulphate and polymyxin B) used topically, in the ear, or in the eye, for infections thatare known or strongly suspected to be bacterial and are accompanied by inflammation.

Established/approved uses

• Otic (ear) use: Superficial bacterial infections of the external auditory canal(otitis externa) caused by susceptible organisms, when there is associated inflammation, in patientswith an intact tympanic membrane.
• Ophthalmic (eye) use: Steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the eye(e.g., allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis) where superficial bacterialinfection or a risk of bacterial infection exists, and where inflammation is a significant feature.
• Dermatologic (skin) use: Corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions complicated by,or at risk of, superficial bacterial infection due to susceptible organisms (e.g., infected eczema,infected dermatitis, superficial infected wounds and burns).

Important notes on evidence and appropriate use

• Hydrocortisone + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymixin B should only be used when a bacterial infection is present or strongly suspected; it isnot indicated for infections that are purely viral or fungal.
• Culture and susceptibility testing are recommended before starting therapy whenever practical,particularly for chronic or recurrent otitis externa.
• Use in the eye or ear should generally follow specialist (ENT/ophthalmology) or physicianassessment, since misdiagnosis (e.g., missed tympanic membrane perforation or viral keratitis) canlead to serious harm.

The dose, strength, and frequency of Hydrocortisone + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymixin B depend on the formulation dispensed (otic, ophthalmic,or topical) and must follow the prescribing physician's instructions and the specific product label.

Hydrocortisone + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymixin B should be used for the shortest duration necessary to control the infection andinflammation (see Duration of Treatment). Shake suspension formulations well before use. Avoidcontact with the eyes unless the product is specifically an ophthalmic formulation.

Antibiotic stewardship: Take/use Hydrocortisone + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymixin B exactly as prescribed by your physician;do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice.

Side effects of Hydrocortisone + Neomycin Sulphate + Polymixin B are usually local and generally mild, but can be more serious withprolonged or extensive use.

• Common: local burning, stinging, itching, or transient discomfort at the site ofapplication.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: neomycin is a well-recognized cause of allergiccontact dermatitis; redness, rash, or worsening irritation may indicate sensitization and shouldprompt discontinuation.
• With prolonged/extensive use: skin thinning (atrophy), striae, telangiectasia,delayed wound healing, and (rarely, with substantial systemic absorption) suppression of thehypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis from the corticosteroid component, and ototoxicity ornephrotoxicity from the aminoglycoside component.
• Ophthalmic use: raised intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataractformation, and secondary ocular infection (including fungal) with prolonged use.
• Superinfection: overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi, mayoccur with prolonged use.