Neo Deca Eye/Ear Drop

Neo Deca Eye/Ear Drop is a combination formulation containing neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, used to treat infections of the eye or ear that are accompanied by significant inflammation, such as bacterial conjunctivitis with marked redness and swelling, or outer/middle ear infections with inflamed, discharging ears. The antibiotic component targets the causative bacteria while the steroid component reduces the swelling, redness, and discomfort that often accompany these infections.

Because this product combines a potent corticosteroid with an antibiotic, it carries specific risks — such as masking untreated fungal or viral infections, delaying wound healing, and raising eye pressure with prolonged ocular use — that require a doctor’s assessment before use. Neo Deca is therefore a prescription medicine in Malaysia and Singapore, and DoctorOnCall requires an online consultation so a doctor can confirm the diagnosis and appropriate duration of use before issuing a prescription and processing your order.

Neomycin works by binding to bacterial ribosomes and disrupting protein synthesis, which kills susceptible bacteria (bactericidal action) commonly responsible for eye and ear infections. Dexamethasone, the steroid component, works by suppressing the inflammatory response — reducing the release of inflammatory mediators, capillary leakage, and immune cell activity — which relieves redness, swelling, itching, and pain that accompany the infection while the antibiotic clears the underlying bacteria.

Use Neo Deca strictly as prescribed by your doctor and only for the condition it was prescribed for. For eye use, tilt the head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and instil the prescribed number of drops into the affected eye without touching the dropper to the eye. For ear use, tilt the head to the side with the affected ear facing up, gently pull the outer ear to straighten the ear canal, and instil the prescribed number of drops, keeping the head tilted for a minute so the solution reaches the affected area. Do not exceed the prescribed frequency or duration.

Dosage depends on whether the drop is being used in the eye or ear and on the severity of the infection, but a common regimen is 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye or ear, 3 to 4 times daily, for a course generally not exceeding 7 to 10 days unless your doctor specifically extends it. Longer or repeated courses require closer monitoring because of the steroid component, so always follow your doctor’s specific instructions rather than a generic schedule.

Use before the expiry date printed on the packaging. Once opened, the bottle should generally be discarded after 4 weeks, or sooner if instructed by your pharmacist, as the sterility of the solution cannot be assured beyond this period.

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct light and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed between uses and stored out of the reach and sight of children.

• Known hypersensitivity to neomycin, other aminoglycoside antibiotics, dexamethasone, or any component of the formulation
• Untreated fungal, viral (including herpes simplex keratitis), or tuberculous infections of the eye or ear, as steroids can worsen these conditions
• Perforated eardrum, unless specifically directed and monitored by an ear, nose and throat specialist, due to the risk of ototoxicity from neomycin reaching the inner ear
• Active untreated infection where the causative organism is not covered or is resistant to neomycin
• Should not be used for longer than the prescribed duration without medical reassessment

• Concurrent use with other ototoxic or nephrotoxic medicines (such as certain other aminoglycoside antibiotics) may increase the risk of hearing or kidney effects if there is significant systemic absorption
• Using other corticosteroid-containing eye or ear preparations at the same time may increase steroid-related side effects; inform your doctor of all products in use
• If using other eye or ear drops, space administration by at least 5 to 10 minutes to avoid one product washing out the other
• No specific food interactions are known for topical use

• Use only for the exact condition, eye or ear, and duration your doctor prescribed
• Do not let the applicator tip touch the eye, ear, fingers, or any surface
• Attend follow-up appointments, especially for courses longer than 7 to 10 days, so your doctor can check for steroid-related side effects
• Stop and contact your doctor promptly if symptoms worsen, vision changes, or new pain or discharge develops
• Do not use leftover Neo Deca for a new infection without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first
• Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening

Combination antibiotic-steroid drops like Neo Deca are reserved for specific, doctor-diagnosed infections with significant inflammation, and are not meant for general or prolonged self-treatment of eye or ear discomfort. Because the steroid component can mask the signs of a worsening or untreated infection — including fungal or viral causes that neomycin does not treat — regular review by your doctor is important, particularly if treatment continues beyond the initially prescribed period or if you are using it in the eye long-term. Never use this product on a perforated eardrum unless specifically directed by a specialist, as ototoxicity is a recognised risk in that situation.