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antibacterials-ophthalmic, otic

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GENERIC NAME: ANTIBACTERIALS - OPHTHALMIC, OTIC

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat infections of the eye (ophthalmic) or ear (otic).

HOW TO USE: Use this as prescribed. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a reinfection. To apply eye or ear medication, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or tube or let it touch the affected area. Shake drops well before using. Hold the ointment tube in your hand for a few minutes to make the medication flow easier. EYE MEDICATION: Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. For drops, place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. With eye ointment, place medication inside the lower lid using a sweeping motion. Close eye and roll the eyeball. Remove excess ointment with a tissue. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. If you are using another kind of eye medication, wait five to ten minutes before applying. EAR MEDICATION: Lie on your side or turn the affected ear upward to make application easier. Place the prescribed number of drops in the ear. Avoid touching the ear canal. Keep the ear tilted for one to two minutes. A small piece of clean cotton may be placed in the ear to prevent drops from escaping.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may temporarily sting when first applied. If this effect persists or worsens, inform your doctor promptly. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, redness, swelling or discharge (including the eye or ear area), trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: all previous eye or ear problems, if you use contact lenses, any allergies. Vision may be temporarily blurred after applying eye medication. Use caution driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. This and all medications should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy or when breast-feeding. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: silver preparations, all other eye or ear antibiotic or corticosteroid (e.g., hydrocortisone) medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.