Hydrocortisone-Neomycin-Polymyxin

Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear or superficial bacterial infections, bacterial infections of mastoidectomy, and fenestration cavities). 

• Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin is available under the following different brand names: Cortisporin Otic

Adult and pediatric dosage

Otic solution/suspension

• 10mg (1%)/3.5mg (0.35%)/10000units/10mL

Superficial Bacterial Infections of External Auditory Canal

Adult dosage

• 4 drops in the ear every 6-8 hours; not to exceed 10 days

Pediatric dosage

• 3 drops in the ear every 6-8 hours; not to exceed 10 days

Bacterial Infections of Mastoidectomy & Fenestration Cavities

Adult dosage

• 4 drops in the ear every 6-8 hours; not to exceed 10 days

Pediatric dosage

• 3 drops in the ear every 6-8 hours; not to exceed 10 days

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin include:

• stinging or burning in the ear after application.

Serious side effects of Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin include:

• hearing problems,
• hearing loss,
• new or worsening fungal ear infection
• rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), 
• redness of the ears, 
• severe dizziness, and 
• trouble breathing.

Rare side effects of Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin include:

• none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs. 

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to any agent
• Cutaneous viral infection of the external auditory canal (solution only); patients with herpes simplex, vaccinia, and varicella infections

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin?”

Cautions

• Neomycin sensitization, including itching, reddening, edema, and failure to heal may occur; discontinue therapy if it occurs
• The solution does not penetrate quite as well as the suspension does
• Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids may cause hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, which may lead to adrenal crisis, especially in children and in patients receiving large doses for prolonged periods
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids may increase the incidence of secondary infection, mask acute infection, and may also prolong or exacerbate viral infections
• Development of Kaposi sarcoma-associated with prolonged treatment with corticosteroids; discontinue therapy if it occurs
• Neomycin can induce permanent sensorineural hearing loss due to cochlear damage, including the destruction of hair cells in the organ of Corti; the risk of ototoxicity is greater with prolonged use
• Percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids may occur, which may cause manifestations of hyperglycemia, Cushing syndrome, or glycosuria; use of occlusive dressings, application of denuded skin, or application to large surface areas may increase the risk of absorption

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.
• Lactation
  • Unknown whether a drug is excreted in the milk; use with caution