GRAMICIDIN: 546 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

DESCRIPTION Neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and gramicidin ophthalmic solution, USP is a sterile antimicrobial solution for ophthalmic use. Each mL contains: Actives: neomycin sulfate, (equivalent to 1.75 mg neomycin base), polymyxin B sulfate equal to 10,000 polymyxin B units, gramicidin, 0.025 mg; Inactives: sodium chloride, alcohol (0.5%), Poloxamer 188, propylene glycol, purified water. Hydrochloric acid and/or ammonium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH (4.7-6.0). Preservative: thimerosal 0.001%.

Neomycin

Sulfate is the sulfate salt of neomycin B and C, which are produced by the growth of Streptomyces fradiae Waksman (Fam. Streptomycetaceae). It has a potency equivalent of not less than 600 micrograms of neomycin base per milligram, calculated on an anhydrous basis. The structural formulae are: Polymyxin B Sulfate is the sulfate salt of polymyxin B 1 and B 2 which are produced by the growth of Bacillus polymyxa (Prazmowski) Migula (Fam. Bacillaceae). It has a potency of not less than 6,000 polymyxin B units per milligram, calculated on an anhydrous basis. The structural formulae are: Gramicidin (also called gramicidin D) is a mixture of three pairs of antibacterial substances (Gramicidin A, B and C) produced by the growth of Bacillus brevis Dubos (Fam. Bacillaceae). It has a potency of not less than 900 mcg of standard gramicidin per mg. The structural formulae are: Neomycin Sulfate (structural formula) Polymyxin B Sulfate (structural formula) Gramicidin (structural formula)

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and gramicidin ophthalmic solution is indicated for the topical treatment of superficial infections of the external eye and its adnexa caused by susceptible bacteria. Such infections encompass conjunctivitis, keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis and blepharoconjunctivitis.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Instill one or two drops into the affected eye every 4 hours for 7 to 10 days. In severe infections, dosage may be increased to as much as two drops every hour. donot

CONTRAINDICATIONS This product is contraindicated in those persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.

ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions have occurred with the anti-infective components of this product. The exact incidence is not known. Reactions occurring most often are allergic reactions including itching, swelling, and conjunctival erythema (see WARNINGS ). More serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported rarely. Local irritation on instillation has also been reported. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch & Lomb Incorporated at 1-800-553-5340 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

WARNINGS NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE. This product should never be directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye or injected subconjunctivally. Topical antibiotics, particularly neomycin sulfate, may cause cutaneous sensitization. A precise incidence of hypersensitivity reactions (primarily skin rash) due to topical antibiotics is not known. The manifestations of sensitization to topical antibiotics are usually itching, reddening and edema of the conjunctiva and eyelid. A sensitization reaction may manifest simply as a failure to heal. During long-term use of topical antibiotic products, periodic examination for such signs is advisable, and the patient should be told to discontinue the product if they are observed. Symptoms usually subside quickly on withdrawing the medication. Applications of products containing these ingredients should be avoided for the patient thereafter (see PRECAUTIONS : Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ).

PRECAUTIONS General As with other antibiotic preparations, prolonged use of this product may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. If superinfection occurs, appropriate measures should be initiated. Bacterial resistance to this product may also develop. If purulent discharge, inflammation or pain becomes aggravated, the patient should discontinue use of the medication and consult a physician. There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated with the use of topical ophthalmic products in multiple-dose containers which have been inadvertently contaminated by patients, most of whom had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial surface (see PRECAUTIONS : Information for Patients ). Allergic cross-reactions may occur which could prevent the use of any or all of the following antibiotics for the treatment of future infections: kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and possibly gentamicin. Information for Patients Patients should be instructed to avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing container to contact the eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface. The use of this product by more than one person may spread infection. Patients should also be instructed that ocular products, if handled improperly, can become contaminated by common bacteria known to cause ocular infections. Serious damage to the eye and subsequent loss of vision may result from using contaminated products (see PRECAUTIONS : Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ). If the condition persists or gets worse, or if a rash or other allergic reaction develops, the patient should be advised to stop use and consult a physician. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the listed ingredients. Keep tightly closed when not in use. Keep out of reach of children. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long-term studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic or mutagenic potential have not been conducted with polymyxin B sulfate or gramicidin. Treatment of cultured lymphocytes in vitro with neomycin increased the frequency of chromosome aberrations at the highest concentration (80 mcg/mL) tested. However, the effects of neomycin on carcinogenesis and mutagenesis in humans are unknown. Polymyxin B has been reported to impair the motility of equine sperm, but its effects on male or female fertility are unknown. Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects Adequate animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with neomycin, polymyxin B, or gramicidin. It is also not known whether this product can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. This product should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing

Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when this product is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.