This is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients: neomycin and methylprednisolone. Neomycin is an antibiotic that helps kill the bacteria that may cause or aggravate acne. Methylprednisolone is an anti-inflammatory that helps to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne. This medication is used to control acne in adolescents and young adults and is sometimes used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and acne rosacea.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Carefully clean the affected skin to minimize the possibility of causing additional infection. Apply the lotion sparingly to the affected areas once or twice daily. Take care to avoid contact with the eyes. Some people may need to reduce the initial frequency of application because of the drying effects of the medication. They may find that using the medication once every other day will sufficiently control their symptoms.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Neomycin - methylprednisolone topical should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to neomycin, to methylprednisolone, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has chickenpox
• has herpes simplex
• has other skin infections that do not respond to neomycin
• has tuberculosis of the skin
• has vaccinia

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• increased redness or scaling of the skin sores
• skin rash

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blood-containing blisters on the skin
• burning and itching of the skin
• lack of healing of the skin condition
• numbness in the fingers
• painful, red or itchy, pus-containing blisters in hair follicles
• raised, dark-red, wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face
• skin infection
• thinning of the skin with easy bruising

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• any loss of hearing
• itching, rash, redness, swelling, or other sign of skin irritation not present before use of this medication

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Irritation: If signs of skin irritation or sensitivity develop, stop using the lotion and contact your doctor.

Overgrowth of organisms: During prolonged or repeated treatment with neomycin, other bacteria or fungi may be allowed to overgrow. If your condition does not improve or worsens while taking this medication, contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: Although skin-applied corticosteroids have not been reported to have an adverse effect during pregnancy, the safety of their use has not been fully established. Talk with your doctor about using the medication during pregnancy.

Children: When skin-applied corticosteroids are used for a prolonged period of time, sufficient absorption into the blood circulation can occur and lead to slowing of growth.

There may be an interaction between neomycin - methylprednisolone topical preparations and any of the following:

• other topical medications that contain ingredients that have irritating effects

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.