Oxytetracycline/ polymyxin b sulfate ointment
Generic name: oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate [ OX-i-TET-ra-SYE-kleen/POL-ee-MIX-in ]
Brand name: Terak and Terramycin with Polymyxin B
Oxytetracycline/ polymyxin b sulfate ointment is used for:
Treating eye infections caused by certain bacteria. It may be used alone or with other medicines.
Oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment is an antibiotic combination. It works by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall and the production of the bacteria's proteins, which kills the bacteria.
Do NOT use oxytetracycline/ polymyxin b sulfate ointment if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment or to other tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using oxytetracycline/ polymyxin b sulfate ointment:
Some medical conditions may interact with oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment. Because little, if any, of oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.
Ask your health care provider if oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use oxytetracycline/ polymyxin b sulfate ointment:
Use oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- To use oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment in the eye, first, wash your hands. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from your eye to form a pouch. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch. After using oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment, gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. Wipe the applicator tip with a clean, dry tissue.
- To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
- If you miss a dose of oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment.
Important safety information:
- Be sure to use oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
- Long-term or repeated use of oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
- Oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of oxytetracycline/ polymyxin b sulfate ointment:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with this product. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); eye swelling or redness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment:Store oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about oxytetracycline/polymyxin b sulfate ointment. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
