Vetropolycin

Vetropolycin HC Used in acute or chronic conjunctivitis when caused by organisms susceptible to the antibiotics contained in this ointment.

Key Benefits

• Bacitracin Zinc, Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate, Hydrocortisone Acetate
• Used in acute or chronic conjunctivitis

How It Works

The polymyxin, neomycin, and bacitracin in Vetropolycin ointment offer broad spectrum protection against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria associated with eye infections. The hydrocortisone acetate acts at the tissue level as a powerful anti-inflammatory. This suppresses inflammation and other eye disorders in the anterior portion of the eye.

Indications

It may be used in acute or chronic conjunctivitis, when caused by organisms susceptible to the antibiotics contained in this ointment. Laboratory tests should be conducted including in vitro culturing and susceptibility tests on samples collected prior to treatment.

Apply a thin film over the cornea three or four times daily. The area to be treated should be properly cleansed prior to use. Foreign bodies, crusted exudates and debris should be carefully removed. Insert the tip of the tube beneath the lower lid and express a small quantity of the ointment into the conjunctival sac in dogs and cats.

Caution:

Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Contraindications:

Ophthalmic preparations containing corticosteroids are contraindicated in the treatment of those deep, ulcerative lesions of the cornea where the inner layer (endothelium) is involved, in fungal infections and in the presence of viral infections.

Warnings:

All topical ophthalmic preparations containing corticosteroids with or without an antimicrobial agent, are contraindicated in the initial treatment of corneal ulcers. They should not be used until the infection is under control and corneal regeneration is well under way. Serious hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in cats within 4 hours of application of antibiotic ophthalmic preparations. Some of these reactions have resulted in death.

Clinical and experimental data have demonstrated that corticosteroids administered orally or by injection to animals may induce the first stage of parturition if used during the last trimester of pregnancy and may precipitate premature parturition followed by dystocia, fetal death, retained placenta, and metritis.

Additionally, corticosteroids administered to dogs, rabbits, and rodents during pregnancy have resulted in cleft palate in offspring. Corticosteroids administered to dogs during pregnancy have also resulted in other congenital anomalies, including deformed forelegs, phocomelia, and anasarca.

Precautions:

Sensitivity to this ophthalmic ointment is rare, however, if a reaction occurs, discontinue use of the preparation. The prolonged use of antibiotic-containing preparations may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. Appropriate measures should be taken if this occurs. If infection does not respond to treatment in two or three days, the diagnosis and therapy should be re-evaluated. Animals under treatment with this product should be observed for usual signs of corticosteroid overdose which include polydipsia, polyuria and occasionally an increase in weight.

Use of corticosteroids, depending on dose, duration, and specific steroid, may result in inhibition of endogenous steroid production following drug withdrawal. In patients presently receiving or recently withdrawn from systemic corticosteroid treatments, therapy with a rapidly acting corticosteroid should be considered in unusually stressful situations. Care should be taken not to contaminate the applicator tip during the administration of the preparation.

Adverse Reactions

Itching, burning or infammation may occur in animals sensitive to the product. Discontinue use in such cases. SAP and SGPT (ALT) enzyme elevations, polydipsia and polyuria have occurred following parenteral or systemic use of synthetic corticosteroids in dogs.

Vomiting and diarrhea (occasionally bloody) have been observed in dogs.

Cushing’s syndrome in dogs has been reported in association with prolonged or repeated steroid therapy.

For a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), or to report adverse reactions, call Dechra Veterinary Products at (866) 933-2472.

Storage:

Store at 15°-25°C (59°-77°F).