Polymyxin B sulfate ear drops is a combination of neomycin, polymyxin B and hydrocortisone used to treat ear infections and to help relieve redness, irritation and discomfort associated with certain ear disorders. It is also used to treat ear infections caused by complications following ear surgery (e.g. mastoidectomy, window opening).

Polymyxin B sulfate (PMBS) is the sulfate form of Polymyxin B (PMB), a cyclic polypeptide antibiotic used primarily to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Neomycin is also a class of drugs called antibiotics. They work by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. Hydrocortisone is a steroid drug used to relieve redness, itching, and swelling caused by ear infections.

Dosage

Adults: 4 drops in the affected ear, 3 or 4 times daily. Alternatively, insert a gauze wick into the ear canal and keep saturated with the solution for 24-48 hours. Maximum duration of treatment: 10 consecutive days.

Children: 3 drops into the ear 3 or 4 times a day. Alternatively, insert a gauze wick into the ear canal and keep it saturated with the solution for 24-48 hours. Maximum duration of treatment: 10 consecutive days.

Directions

(1) Clean your hands, hold the ear drops in your hands for a few minutes before using the medication, and shake the bottle thoroughly.

(2) With the infected ear facing up, gently pull the earlobe up and down and back to straighten the ear canal.

(3) After instilling the drops into the ear canal according to the dosage, keep the ear facing up for about 5 minutes to allow the medication to cover the ear canal.

(4) Alternatively, you can insert gauze or cotton wick into your ear and remove or replace the cotton wick after leaving it in for a while.

Side Effects

Common side effects of neomycin/Polymyxin B sulfate/hydrocortisone combination preparations are

burning or irritation of the ear skin, or accompanied by itching or dryness, and skin allergic reactions.

Other possible side effects include:

Difficulty breathing

Rapid heartbeat

Fever or general malaise

Increased thirst

Loss of appetite

Swollen lymph nodes

Nausea or vomiting

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

Stomach cramps

Joint pain

Serious side effects include:

Ototoxicity. This combination ear product may cause hearing loss, especially with long-term use. If you have hearing loss or hear ringing or roaring sounds in your ears, call your doctor immediately.

Serious allergic reactions are rare. They may appear as swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat; difficulty swallowing or a tight throat; or itching, rash, or reddish bumps on the skin (called hives).