Betamethasone + Chloramphenicol + Polymyxin B

Betamethasone + Chloramphenicol + Polymyxin B is a combination of medicines that is used to treat bacterial eye/ear infections. It kills the bacteria and further stops its growth.

Betamethasone + Chloramphenicol + Polymyxin B is to be used only in the affected eye/ear in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. Wash your hands before using this medicine. It is advised to check the label for directions before use. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to the infection returning or worsening.

The most common side effects include stinging and burning sensation at the application site. If this side effect persists for a longer duration, inform your doctor. In case, this medicine goes into your nose or mouth, rinse with water immediately. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or are allergic to this medicine or taking any other medication.

• Bacterial eye / ear infections

Bacterial eye / ear infections
Betamethasone + Chloramphenicol + Polymyxin B stops the growth of the bacteria that is causing the infection. It helps relieve symptoms such as pain, redness, itching, soreness or ear discharge caused due to eye/ear infections.

The dose and duration of treatment will be decided by your doctor based on your condition. Make sure you complete the full course of treatment. This will ensure that the infection is completely cured and prevent it from returning.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Olycin B

• Burning sensation
• Stinging in the eyes

This medicine is for external use only.Take it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Hold the dropper close to the eye/ear without touching it. Gently squeeze the dropper and place the medicine inside the lower eyelid or ear. Wipe off extra liquid.

Betamethasone + Chloramphenicol + Polymyxin B is a combination of three medicines: Polymyxin B, Chloramphenicol and Betamethasone, which treat eye/ear infections. Polymyxin B is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by destroying bacterial cell membrane. Betamethasone is a steroid medicine. It blocks the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the eye red, swollen and itchy after an allergy or infection. Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic which stops bacterial growth by inhibiting synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.

• You have been prescribed Betamethasone + Chloramphenicol + Polymyxin B for the treatment of bacterial infections of the eye/ear.

• Do not touch the tip to any surface, or to your eye/ear, to avoid contamination.

• If using for eyes:

  • Wait for at least 5-10 minutes before delivering the next medication in the same eye to avoid dilution.
  • Do not wear contact lenses, while using this medication.
  • It may cause short term blurring of vision when first used. Use caution before driving or using machines.

• Talk to your doctor if your symptoms haven't started to improve within two days of starting treatment, if they get worse during treatment or if you get another eye /ear infection.

• Throw away any medicine left at the end of the course.

Henderer JD, Rapuano CJ. Ocular Pharmacology. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1707-1737.