Pharmacy Finder

Enter your postcode below

In this section

Dexamethasone with framycetin and gramicidin drops

Do not use these drops for more than 1 week.
Side-effects may include mild stinging and itching.

About dexamethasone with framycetin and gramicidin drops

Type of medicine Anti-inflammatory preparation
Used for Inflammation of the ear (otitis externa) or eye
Also called Sofradex
Available as Drops for ear or eye

This preparation contains three ingredients, dexamethasone, framycetin and gramicidin. It is used to treat inflammatory conditions of the ear or eye, particularly those at risk of becoming infected.

Dexamethasone is used to relieve inflammation, itching and pain. Framycetin and gramicidin are both used to prevent bacterial infections and work by killing the bacteria responsible for causing infection.

Before using dexamethasone with framycetin and gramicidin drops

Before using these drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding. If you are to use the drops in your ear and you have a perforated ear drum. If you are to use the drops in your eye and you have glaucoma, an infection or ulcer in the eye. If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use dexamethasone with framycetin and gramicidin drops

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. Apply these drops into the ear or eye exactly as directed by your doctor.

FOR USE IN THE EYE:

Wash your hands well. Remove the outer cap. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye. Try not to touch the eye with the container. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops. Close the eye, and keep it closed for one to two minutes. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use this preparation in both eyes. Replace the outer cap on the container. Try not to touch the tip of the container with your fingers. Wash your hands again.

FOR USE IN THE EAR:
If you find it more comfortable, you may warm the eardrops to body temperature by holding the container in your hand for a few minutes before using.

Wash you hands, then clean the ear with warm water and dry thoroughly. Remove the outer cap. Lie down or tilt your head so that the affected ear faces upwards. Gently pull the earlobe to straighten the ear canal. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand and turn the container upside down near to the ear. Try not to touch the inside of the ear with the container. Apply enough pressure to the container to release four to five drops. Keep the ear facing upwards for a few minutes to allow the solution to come into contact with the affected area. Repeat in the other ear if you have been instructed to use these drops in both ears. Replace the outer cap on the container . Wash your hands again.

Getting the most from your treatment

If you are using these drops in the eyes and are using other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation. Do not use these drops for more than one week. If your symptoms do not improve within seven days or if they become worse, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Can dexamethasone with framycetin and gramicidin drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who use these drops What can I do if I experience this
Blurred sight when the drops are first used Until your vision is clear, do not drive, operate machinery or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not able to see clearly
Irritation, burning, stinging and itching If this is troublesome, tell your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store dexamethasone with framycetin and gramicidin drops

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. Do not keep these drops more than 4 weeks after the bottle has been opened. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Sofradex, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised October 2007, accessed March 2009.British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF). Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
EMIS 2009 DocID: 3796 DocRef: dils3806 Last Reviewed: 12 May 2009 Version: 22

Author:EMIS
Copyright 2006 EMIS, HTML generated by EMIS Knowledge Source Editor