dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate + framycetin sulfate + gramicidin at a glance
Medicine class
Topical corticosteroid with two antibiotics.
Licensed routes
For use in the eye or ear, as prescribed.
Driving
Eye application may temporarily blur vision; do not drive or use machinery until vision is clear.
Bottle hygiene
Wash your hands, avoid touching the dropper tip, wipe away excess liquid and replace the cap promptly.
What is dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate + framycetin sulfate + gramicidin used for?
Licensed uses include:
Steroid-responsive eye inflammation when preventive antibacterial treatment is also required, after fungal and viral disease have been excluded.
Otitis externa—inflammation of the outer ear canal.
How does dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate + framycetin sulfate + gramicidin work?
Dexamethasone suppresses inflammatory responses. Framycetin acts against susceptible bacteria, including many Gram-negative organisms and Staphylococcus aureus; gramicidin adds activity against many Gram-positive bacteria.
How to take dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate + framycetin sulfate + gramicidin
Use only in the eye or ear specified by the prescriber. Wash your hands and do not let the dropper touch the eye, ear, fingers or another surface. For eye use, pull down the lower eyelid, apply the prescribed amount and close the eye. For ear use, tilt or lie with the affected ear upwards, apply the drops and remain in that position briefly. Replace the cap and do not drive until blurred vision clears.
Do not share the bottle.
Do not use in an ear with a known or suspected perforated eardrum.
Store below 25°C, do not refrigerate, and discard the bottle 28 days after opening.
dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate + framycetin sulfate + gramicidin side effects
Common or expected effects
- No effects are classified as common. Effects reported with an unknown frequency include temporary blurred vision and local burning, stinging, itching, irritation or dermatitis.
Get urgent medical advice
- Hypersensitivity, including rash, worsening swelling or redness, facial or throat swelling, or breathing difficulty.
- Raised pressure inside the eye, which may cause impaired focus, reduced vision or a blind spot.
- Cloudy vision, halos around lights or difficulty seeing at night, particularly after intensive or prolonged exposure.
- Corneal or scleral thinning and possible perforation in susceptible eyes.
- Possible aminoglycoside-related hearing toxicity, especially with a perforated eardrum or certain mitochondrial mutations.
dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate + framycetin sulfate + gramicidin in pregnancy
Evidence in pregnancy is inadequate, with potential fetal risks from corticosteroid and aminoglycoside exposure. Use requires an individual prescriber assessment of benefits and risks. General reassurance about topical corticosteroids does not remove the framycetin-related caution.
dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate + framycetin sulfate + gramicidin while breastfeeding
The product information advises use only after weighing potential benefits against risks. Specialist UK guidance considers dexamethasone used in the eye or ear compatible with breastfeeding because maternal systemic levels should be negligible, with no additional risk from topical antibiotic combinations. This applies to full-term, healthy infants; seek specialist advice if the infant is premature or unwell.
dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate + framycetin sulfate + gramicidin interactions
Systemic interactions are unlikely for most people, but clinically relevant corticosteroid interactions remain possible.
Strong CYP3A inhibitors, including ritonavir and cobicistat
These may increase systemic dexamethasone exposure and corticosteroid adverse effects. Avoid unless benefits outweigh risks and monitor when concurrent use is necessary.
Common questions about dexamethasone sodium metasulfobenzoate + framycetin sulfate + gramicidin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is it an antibiotic or a steroid?
It contains both: dexamethasone is a corticosteroid, while framycetin and gramicidin are antibiotics.
Can it be used in both eyes and ears?
The solution is authorised for either route, but use it only at the site specified by the prescriber.
Can it be used for an unexplained red eye?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.