What is Neosporin H Eye Ointment?
Neosporin H Eye Ointment is a combination eye ointment made by GSK. Each gram contains Polymyxin B 5000 units, Neomycin 3400 units, Bacitracin 400 units, and Hydrocortisone 10 mg.
It comes as a smooth, pale ointment meant to sit inside the lower eyelid, not rubbed onto the surrounding skin like a face cream.
What eye and eyelid conditions does it treat?
This ointment is used for bacterial infections affecting the eye and eyelid margin, along with the redness and swelling that come with them. Conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and infected styes fall into this category. Each involves some mix of bacterial growth and local inflammation on sensitive eyelid tissue.
These problems are common after an injury near the eye, following eye surgery, or simply from rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands. Anyone noticing crusting on the lashes, persistent redness, or a gritty feeling in the eye is usually dealing with this kind of infection.
How do Polymyxin B, Neomycin, Bacitracin and Hydrocortisone work together?
Three antibiotics are combined here, and each attacks bacteria in a slightly different way. Polymyxin B breaks down the outer wall of certain bacteria, Neomycin stops bacteria from building the proteins they need to multiply, and Bacitracin blocks them from forming a proper cell wall.
Covering bacteria from three angles lowers the chance that any strain survives on its own. Hydrocortisone, the fourth ingredient, calms the swelling and redness the infection has already caused on the eyelid skin. Together, Neosporin H Eye Ointment clears the bacterial cause while settling the visible inflammation.
How long does treatment with Neosporin H usually last?
Redness and discharge often start improving within a few days once the antibiotics take hold. Full resolution of swelling and irritation can take one to two weeks, depending on how advanced the infection was before treatment started.
Do not stop early just because the eye looks better. Some of the leftover bacteria may regrow/reproduce. Therefore you must follow what your doctor has asked you to follow.
Applying Neosporin H Eye Ointment: when and how
- Wash your hands first.
- Tilt your head back a little and pull down the lower eyelid to make a small pocket. Place a thin ribbon of Neosporin H Eye Ointment inside this pocket, not directly on the eyeball.
- Blink a few times so the ointment spreads evenly across the eye. Do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye, eyelashes, or fingers. This keeps the ointment free of bacteria.
- Vision may blur for a minute or two right after application. This is normal and clears up once the ointment spreads out.
Your doctor will tell you how long to continue Neosporin H Eye Ointment, depending on how the infection responds to this medication.
What side effects can show up around the eyes?
Most people feel mild stinging or a burning sensation for the first few seconds after applying the ointment. Apart from that, you may notice:
- Temporary blurred vision
- Eyelid redness or puffiness
- Itching along the eyelid margin
- Watery eyes
- A feeling of heaviness on the eyelid skin
- Skin irritation if the ointment keeps touching the surrounding area
Who should be careful before using this ointment?
- Do not use this ointment if you are allergic to Polymyxin B, Neomycin, Bacitracin, or any steroid-based eye product.
- Avoid it on eyes with an untreated viral infection such as herpes. The hydrocortisone in this ointment can let the infection spread further. People with glaucoma or a history of raised eye pressure should mention this before starting, since the steroid component can affect eye pressure over time.
- Do not share this ointment with anyone, even within the same household. Sharing raises the risk of spreading infection instead of treating it.
How to store Neosporin H Eye Ointment. Check its price and availability
It is sold as a prescription eye ointment. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, with the cap closed tightly after each use.
Neosporin H Eye Ointment is available at Truedermo. It can be purchased at $3 per tube.
