Is polysporin and triple antibiotic ointment the same?

Can I use expired Triple Antibiotic HC Ointment (for dog's eye)?

• Dog had eye infection 10/05. I still have a tube of the ointment for his eye...Neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates, bacitracin zinc and hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment USP. Prescription says it expires 12/06, tube of medicine says it expired 01/06. What happens to this medicine past it's expiration date? Does it just become less potent or does it become harmful? He just seems to have a red eye and some yellowish/green eye boogers...I figured if it is just less potent it may help a bit. Yes, I'm aware that it is 2 years past expiration date, but I didn't know if that's just the drug company scheme to get you to buy more or if it actually changes in composition and would hurt his eye. thx

• Answer:

  If you were smart enough to store the drug in the refrigerator, it should still be effective. If it was stored in a heated room, just get another tube, it's probably not very potent.