Ultimate Guide to Neo/Poly/Dex Ophthalmic Ointment
Meet Pet's Eye Superhero: Neo/Poly/Dex Ophthalmic Ointment!
Neo/Poly/Dex Ophthalmic Ointment is not only veterinarian-approved but is mainly used by veterinarians to treat dog and cat's susceptible eye and eyelid infections, such as types of conjunctivitis and corneal injury that are caused by chemical radiation, ulcers, scratches, and allergic reactions.
How does Neo/Poly/Dex work?
Neo/Poly/Dex is the generic name of which includes the medicine's three active ingredients - Neomycin, Polymyxin B sulfates, and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic. The first two are a potent mixture of antibiotics that treat various maladies and Dexamethasone is a steroid that combats inflammation.
Together, they are an eye's superhero! Here, we will explain the three active ingredients in more detail:
Antibiotics neomycin and polymyxin B are infection preventatives in eye injuries and wounds. Neomycin is a pharmacological antibiotic that reduces the risk of skin infections and polymyxin B is a bacteriacide, especially for eyes, and treats other bacterial infections within the body.
Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that relieves eye swelling, redness, and pain. With the three active ingredients, Neo/Poly/Dex successfully treats bacterial infections of the eye and reduces swelling associated with bacterial infections.
NOTE: The World Health Organization (WHO) is in the process of updating treatment guidelines to include dexamethasone and other corticosteroids in COVID-19 treatments, due to their potential ability to modulate immune-mediated lung injury and reduce mortality rates, such as was tested in the UK's national clinical trial RECOVERY with a daily 6 mg dexamethasone treatment.
How is Neo/Poly/Dex administered?
Neo/Poly/Dex is an ointment (suspension eye drops are available too) administered to the eye with the specially designed sensitive applicator every 8 to 12 hours. The pet owner should see improvements in 48 hours. If not, contact your veterinarian. Here is an easy way to apply the ointment.
Place one of your hands under your pet's chin to lift it towards the ceiling. Pull down on the chosen eye's lower lid with a finger. Try everything to comfort your pet whether you speak gently or rub the top of their head with one hand before applying the ophthalmic ointment.
Make sure that the tube's tip is pointed away and is at least one inch away from your pet's eye so if the pet jerks, it doesn't scratch or injure the eye. Now apply a ribbon of ointment from the inner to the outer edge of the lid, close the eyelid, and massage the ointment to help the treatment.
During the application of the medication, the pet parent must not touch the tip of the applicator bottle or tube to not contaminate the medication, to de-sterilize the equipment, or to cause another eye infection.
Which pets should not be prescribed Neo/Poly/Dex Ophthalmic Ointment?
- Any pets that are allergic to any of the ingredients
- Any pets that are pregnant or nursing
- Any pets that are using other eye drops or other eye medications
- Any pets that have a viral or fungal infection in the eye
- Cats with possible chances of a herpes infection
Other eye medications, oral steroids, and a large list of drugs that may negatively interact with Neo/Poly/Dex, including prednisone and oxycodone. Ensure that you are transparent with your veterinarian and pharmacist.
What are the potential side effects of which you should be aware?
Neo/Poly/Dex's rare but serious reactions are burning, itching, stinging, irritation, eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, redness, or sensitivity to light. If any unusual, uncomfortable, and bothersome reactions to the medication occur, continue to use the medicine but contact your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the easiest way to apply the ophthalmic ointment?
Start with placing one of your hands under your pet's chin to lift it towards the ceiling then rest the other hand on top of the pet's head. Pull down on the chosen eye's lower lid with a finger and apply a ribbon of ointment under the eyelid then massage it into a closed eye.
- What is the easiest way to apply the suspension eyedrops?
Start with placing one of your hands under your pet's chin to lift it towards the ceiling then rest the other hand on top of the pet's head. Squeeze the drops into the corner of their eye, and allow the liquid to disperse over the whole eye surface.
- What to remember during the application of both treatments?
Do not touch the tube, bottle, or tip of the applicator. This may contaminate the medicine and cause another eye infection. Always wash your hand before and after application. Wait 5-10 minutes before applying another eye medication or treatment. Follow instructions to the word.
- What do I do if I cause a Neo/Poly/Dex overdose?
An overdose of the medication is not meant to be dangerous. However, if the medication is ingested or swallowed, you must call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or take your pet to an emergency veterinarian clinic.
- What are Neomycin and Polyxmytin?
These are potent antibiotics that combat various bacterial infections. These are two active ingredients in the Neo/Poly/Dex Ophthalmic Ointment.
- What are the generic names and brand names for Neo/Poly/Dex?
Neo/Poly/Dex is a sort of acronym of the active ingredients and generic names of Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Dexamethasone. The well-known brand name is Maxitrol or Alcon.
- What is the Neo/Poly/Dex Ophthalmic Ointment dosage?
The prescription medication ointment comes in a 3.5 mg sterile tube. Neo/Poly/Dex Ophthalmic eye drops are available in a 5 ml sterile bottle. This medication can be used by dogs, cats, and horses ONLY.
- What results can I expect?
Neo-Poly-Dex Ophthalmic Ointment kills the bacterial infection and decreases the inflammation. It is applied multiple times to have the desired effect. Your pet's eye should start to look better in 48 hours. If the infection does not improve within several days or if the condition worsens, contact your veterinarian.
Conjunctivitis, corneal injury, nonulcerative keratitis, ulcers, scratches, and allergic reactions.
Concluding Thoughts
The most important thing that you should know about Neo/Poly/Dex Ophthalmic Ointment is that it is a popular prescribed highly unique formulated treatment to fight bacterial infections, decrease inflammation, and to provide quick, soothing relief to your pet's eye.
DISCLAIMER: Ask your veterinarian or consult with one of our pet care specialists at 1-800-844-1427. This informative article is not meant to substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, and professional advice from your veterinarian or other qualified professionals regarding a medical condition.