Poly-Pred (topical corticosteroid and antibiotic)

Poly-Pred is the brand name of a product that contains neomycin, polymyxin, and prednisolone. This product was discontinued in 2011 and is no longer available. This information is only for educational purposes.

Uses

What is Poly-Pred used for?

The combination of antibiotics and corticosteroids is used to treat eye infections and inflammatory disorders.

How should I take Poly-Pred?

• Shake well before each use.
• To use Poly-Pred drops in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• 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 your doctor prescribed more than 1 eye medicine, ask the best order for using each medicine.
• Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Poly-Pred drops. Take care of your contact lenses as directed by the manufacturer. Check with your doctor before you use them.

How do I store Poly-Pred?

Store this product at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. 

There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should I know before using Poly-Pred?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
• An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
• Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough information about the safety of using this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication.

This medication is pregnancy risk category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

• A= No risk
• B= No risk in some studies
• C= There may be some risk
• D= Positive evidence of risk
• X= Contraindicated
• N= Unknown

Side Effects

What side effects can occur from Poly-Pred?

Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:

• Blurred vision
• Temporary burning or stinging

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• Changes in vision
• Continued or worsening itching, swelling, or irritation
• Discharge from eyes
• Eye pain

However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Poly-Pred?

This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. 

To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.

Does food or alcohol interact with Poly-Pred?

This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Poly-Pred?

This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, especially:

• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Optic nerve damage
• Thinning of the cornea
• Eye infection

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

What is the dose for an adult?

Instill 1 or 2 drops every 3 or 4 hours, or as needed. Acute infections may require administration every 30 minutes, with frequency of administration reduced as the infection is brought under control.

What is the dose for a child?

There is no established pediatric dose. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How is Poly-Pred available?

Poly-Pred is discontinued and no longer available on the market.

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.