Uses

This combination of a corticosteroid and an aminoglycoside antibiotic is indicated for the treatment of ocular infections with an inflammatory component, such as bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, and keratitis where both anti-infective and anti-inflammatory treatment is required.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in viral infections of the ocular surface (herpes simplex keratitis), mycobacterial or fungal eye infections, and known hypersensitivity to either component. Contraindicated in untreated bacterial eye infections when used alone.

Side effects

Common ocular side effects include stinging or burning on instillation, and increased intraocular pressure with prolonged use of dexamethasone. Risk of secondary ocular infections (fungal or viral) with long-term corticosteroid use. Netilmicin may rarely cause local hypersensitivity reactions.

Warnings

Monitor intraocular pressure with use beyond 10 days. Prolonged corticosteroid use may cause posterior subcapsular cataracts or exacerbate existing glaucoma. Not for injection. Aminoglycoside systemic toxicity is not expected with topical ocular use but caution is advised in patients with renal impairment receiving systemic aminoglycosides.

How it works

Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid that suppresses ocular inflammation by inhibiting phospholipase A2 and prostaglandin synthesis. Netilmicin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, with activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15°C and 25°C. Discard any remaining solution 4 weeks after opening. Keep out of reach of children.