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Neomycin-Colist-HC-Thonzonium

Pronounced

"nee-oh-MY-sin/koh-LIH-stin/hi-dro-KOR-tih-sown/thon-ZHO-nee-um"

Common brand names:

Coly-mycin

Uses

This ear drop is used to treat outer ear infections caused by bacteria (also known as swimmer's ear). This product contains neomycin and colistin, which are antibiotics that work by stopping the growth of bacteria. It also contains hydrocortisone, which is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that works by reducing ear swelling and discomfort, and thonzonium, which helps this medication pass through dead cells and pus inside the ear.

This medication treats only bacterial ear infections. It will not work for other types of ear infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How to Use This Medication

Use this medication in the infected ear as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times a day. The ear canal should be clean and dry before using this medication. Use in the ear only. Do not use in the eyes.

To make sure that the right amount of medication is given, and to avoid touching the ear with the dropper, have another person give the drops if possible. To lower the risk of dizziness, hold the container in your hand for a few minutes in order to warm it.

To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface. Shake the container well before using.

Lie on your side with the treated ear upward. Hold the dropper directly over the ear and place the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal. To help the drops roll into the ear of an adult, hold the earlobe up and back. For children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted with the treated ear upward for 5 minutes or insert a soft cotton plug if so directed. Another way to give this medication is to place a cotton wick in the ear canal and moisten it with the prescribed number of drops as often as directed. The wick should be replaced at least once a day.

Repeat the above steps for the other ear if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the cap after use.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Do not use this medication more often than prescribed or continue to use it for longer than 10 days.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.