Angel

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Angel

Property Description
Active ingredient Dexamethasone and Neomycin
Form Ophthalmic/Otic Solution or Suspension (Drops)
Pharmacological class Corticosteroid and Aminoglycoside Antibiotic combination
Common use Anti-inflammatory and Anti-infective action
Origin Primarily Synthetic

What Type of Medicine is Angel? (Identity and Classification)

Angel is classified as a fixed-dose combination product designed for topical administration, primarily for use in the eye (ophthalmic) or the ear (otic). This formulation is typically presented as a sterile solution or suspension (drops), a specific drug form necessary for localized treatment. As a prescription-only medicine (Rx), its administration requires direct authorization from a healthcare professional. The formulation combines these two classes of agents for local application.

Composition: The Role of Dexamethasone and Neomycin

The medicine’s composition includes the two principal active ingredients: the corticosteroid Dexamethasone and the aminoglycoside antibiotic Neomycin. The combination is structured to leverage the anti-inflammatory effect of Dexamethasone and the broad-spectrum antibacterial properties of Neomycin. Aminoglycoside antibiotics like Neomycin are utilized for their ability to combat susceptible gram-negative bacteria, providing the antibiotic component of the formulation.

General Purpose: Anti-Inflammation and Anti-Infection Synergy

The general purpose of the Angel formulation is to provide management of inflammatory conditions while simultaneously exerting anti-infective action. The Dexamethasone component helps to suppress the inflammatory response, addressing symptoms like swelling and discomfort. Topical corticosteroids are included to minimize inflammation in the affected area. The formulation is typically recognized for use in scenarios involving acute ocular inflammation potentially complicated by bacterial presence, signifying its dual therapeutic focus.

Regulatory References

  1. National Library of Medicine (NIH)

What side effects are possible with Angel?

Possible side effects and safety information

The officially documented safety profile for Angel (Dexamethasone/Neomycin) is structured around the specific risks associated with its two active components and the duration of use. Adverse reactions are primarily classified into Eye Disorders (corticosteroid-related) and Immune System Disorders (antibiotic-related), as noted in regulatory labeling.

Key Adverse Reactions by System-Organ Class

System-Organ Class Example Reactions Listed in Regulatory Documents
Eye Disorders Elevation of intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataract formation, keratitis, conjunctival hyperemia, and optic nerve damage.
Immune System Disorders Allergic sensitizations, including itching, rash, urticaria, and, in rare instances, severe hypersensitivity reactions.
Infections and Infestations Secondary ocular infection, including fungal infections of the cornea, particularly with prolonged use.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Duration-Related Safety

Serious reactions are primarily linked to the corticosteroid component following prolonged exposure. Regulatory documents state that glaucoma (with damage to the optic nerve) and cataract formation are potential long-term consequences. In cases where the cornea or sclera is thinned, there is a risk of perforation.

The official labeling defines specific constraints based on duration: when the product is used for 10 days or longer, routine monitoring of intraocular pressure (IOP) is required. Systemic side effects, such as Cushing's syndrome or adrenal suppression, have been reported with long-term, intensive use due to systemic absorption.

Population-Specific Safety Notes

The label includes specific considerations for certain groups. For pediatric patients, the risk of corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension may be greater, and monitoring of IOP may be difficult. Caution is advised regarding use during pregnancy and lactation, based on animal studies showing teratogenicity with dexamethasone and the potential for systemic corticosteroids to appear in human milk.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

This section outlines the officially documented risks and required actions in the event of an overdose or accidental exposure to the Dexamethasone/Neomycin topical drops, based strictly on government regulatory information.


Acute Exposure: Accidental Ingestion

Accidental ingestion (swallowing) of the topical solution is the primary acute overdose risk, as regulatory documents classify the product as possibly harmful if swallowed. Systemic overdose from typical topical application alone is generally not expected.


Documented Long-Term Risks from Overuse

Overuse of the drops for prolonged periods can lead to severe local effects due to the corticosteroid component. These local effects, representing a chronic local overdose, include:

  • Elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP), with potential for glaucoma and optic nerve damage.
  • Posterior subcapsular cataract formation.

Mandatory Emergency Actions

Urgent medical help must be sought in specific situations as mandated by official labeling:

  • Accidental Ingestion: Seek emergency medical attention or call a Poison Help line immediately if the medication is swallowed by anyone.
  • Serious Symptoms: Call emergency services (e.g., 911) if the person who ingested the drops exhibits serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing.

Antidote and Management: There is no specific antidote documented. Management is typically supportive and guided by a poison control center.

Therapeutic Uses of Angel

The Dexamethasone/Neomycin combination is generally used in areas where symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states coincide with a risk of bacterial infection. This combined approach is utilized in contexts where both anti-inflammatory and anti-infective support is appropriate.

The medicine is primarily applied across domains involving acute, distressing symptoms such as significant redness, swelling, and burning of the eye, as well as pain and itching associated with otitis externa (external ear inflammation).

Commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes of inflammation, the medicine assists with managing conditions such as bacterial conjunctivitis, keratitis, and certain chronic anterior uveitis flares. It is also often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable after eye surgery (post-operative use) or following specific corneal injuries.

“This application supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort and contributes to easing the overall symptom load in conditions where both severe inflammation and infection risk are present.”

The medication provides supportive relief from symptoms related to inflammation and helps address symptoms related to bacterial presence. This approach assists with maintaining functional stability during the healing phase.


Quick Fact: Relief for Acute Ocular and Otic Discomfort The medicine is commonly used to help with acute or recurrent inflammatory states of the eye and external ear, where the symptoms create noticeable physiological strain and interfere with daily functioning.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The name Angel refers to the AngelMed Guardian System, an implantable cardiac monitor approved by the FDA. Eligibility for this system is defined by specific cardiac history and physical/cognitive ability.

Contraindicated and Eligible Populations

Classification Patient Status
Eligible (Indicated Use) Patients who have had prior Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) events and who remain at high risk for recurrent events.
Contraindicated (Must Not Use) Patients with an existing pacemaker, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), or Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) device.
Contraindicated (Must Not Use) Patients with cognitive impairment that prevents alarm recognition, or those who cannot feel the vibration from the implanted device.

Eligibility-Related Restrictions

Condition-Specific Rules: Use is restricted solely to patients with a documented history of prior ACS events who are deemed high risk. It is not indicated for the general population.

Implantation Feasibility: The device is contraindicated if a pacemaker lead cannot be safely placed in the right ventricular apex.

Regulatory Restrictions: The device is available only by prescription, and its use is restricted to physicians who have received specific training and possess the experience detailed in the labeling.

This structure, sourced from regulatory documentation, strictly defines the mandatory patient characteristics for safe and effective use of the AngelMed Guardian System.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents define clinically important interactions for Angel based on its metabolism by drug-metabolizing enzymes and transport systems.

Interaction Classifications

Interaction Domain Example Agent Regulatory Action/Constraint
Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Rifampicin Contraindicated (Do Not Combine)
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Ketoconazole Dose Adjustment of Angel Required
P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Inhibitors Cyclosporine Use with Caution; Increased Monitoring

Official Interaction Statements

  • Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., Rifampicin) is explicitly contraindicated in the product labeling. This combination leads to a severe reduction in Angel's systemic exposure, resulting in a loss of efficacy.
  • Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole) causes a substantial increase in Angel's plasma concentration. A mandated dose reduction of Angel is necessary when initiating therapy with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor.
  • Drugs that inhibit the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporter may increase the absorption and overall concentration of Angel. Concurrent use with agents classified as P-gp inhibitors requires caution and close monitoring for drug-related effects.
  • Specific timing-based requirements exist for certain combinations. After discontinuing a strong CYP3A4 inducer, a washout period of at least 14 days is specified before starting Angel therapy.

This structure reflects the regulatory requirement to explicitly list pharmacokinetic interactions involving major metabolic pathways and transport proteins, providing clear constraints (contraindication, dose reduction, or monitoring) to manage the risk of altered drug exposure.

Mechanism of Action

Angel (phencyclidine) is a central nervous system-active agent that acts primarily as a non-competitive antagonist at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex.

The molecule enters the central ion channel of the NMDA receptor, binds to a site within the pore, and sterically blocks the flux of positive ions ( Ca^2+ and Na^+) into the postsynaptic neuron. This blockade inhibits the depolarization of the neuron, thereby disrupting glutamatergic neurotransmission, which is a key excitatory pathway in the brain. Downstream effects include an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine levels by inhibiting their presynaptic reuptake. Additionally, Angel interacts with and modulates multiple other biological targets, including sigma receptors (sigma1 and sigma2), mu opioid receptors, and nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

System-level physiological consequences involve widespread modulation of central nervous system function, affecting neural signaling related to cognitive, motor, and autonomic processes. These modifications include sympathomimetic effects such as increased heart rate and elevated arterial pressure.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Angel is Used: Administration Guidelines

The usage of Angel (Dexamethasone and Neomycin) is characterized by protocols focused on its topical administration for localized therapy. This framework ensures the medicine is used according to the intended route, dosing frequency, and preparation requirements.


Administration Scope

Instruction Category General Administration Parameters
Route of Administration The medicine is administered for Topical Ocular (eye) and Topical Otic (external ear) use. It is explicitly not intended for injection (periocular or intraocular).
Dosing Schedule Drops (Suspension): The dose is 1 to 2 drops applied to the affected area. Ointment: A small amount (approximately 1/2 inch ribbon) is applied to the conjunctival sac.
Frequency and Tapering For severe conditions, the frequency may be up to hourly, then is gradually tapered as the inflammatory condition improves. For milder conditions, use is typically up to four to six times daily.

Preparation and Procedural Rules

Instruction Category Standard Procedural Guidelines
Preparation Requirements The ophthalmic suspension must be shaken well immediately before each use.
Aseptic Technique The dropper or tube tip must not touch the eye, eyelid, or any surface to prevent potential contamination.
Course Duration Constraints The treatment course is intended for short-term use. The initial prescription and any renewal order beyond a specified volume is volume-limited and requires physician re-evaluation using magnification.
Age-Group Rules Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under two years of age.

Connection to the usage protocol: The usage protocol involves a tapering frequency that is contingent on the severity of the condition. This structure, combined with the short-term duration and the requirement for physician re-evaluation upon renewal, frames the medicine as a temporary, monitored topical therapy.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Angel

The body of research includes studies exploring the use of this corticosteroid and antibiotic combination for use in conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations of the eye and the external ear, where a bacterial presence is a concern. The body of research includes Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), where the combination was evaluated in comparison to its individual components or other similar topical treatments, alongside supporting data summarized in Systematic Reviews and regulatory documentation.


Evidence for Use in Steroid-Responsive Inflammatory Ocular Conditions

This section summarizes the structure of clinical research, including Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Systematic Reviews, that have explored the use of the combination for use in outcomes linked to inflammatory or irritative states and potential bacterial risk in the eye, such as in certain forms of conjunctivitis and post-operative care.

Research has involved short-term clinical trials focusing on adults and, in some cases, children aged two years and older. These studies were applied in research exploring how symptoms change over time during acute episodes. Studies monitored changes in these outcomes over the typical acute treatment period, which is generally short-term. Some trials, often involving similar three-drug combinations, described patterns observed in the studies where the addition of a corticosteroid (like Dexamethasone) to an antibiotic component was associated with shorter observed time until patients reported reduced discomfort, compared to the antibiotic component used alone.

What remains uncertain

The research base primarily consists of short-term data, meaning long-term effects are not fully established regarding observed patterns after the study period. Comparative evidence is lacking for the specific Dexamethasone/Neomycin two-drug combination against many newer topical alternatives.


Evidence for Use in Acute Otitis Externa (AOE)

This part will detail the types of clinical trials and meta-analyses that support the use of the topical combination for acute external ear infections. The evidence for use in conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes like Acute Otitis Externa primarily consists of Randomized Controlled Trials and subsequent Systematic Reviews.

These studies monitored patients, including adults and children older than one year. The research examined outcomes related to physical discomfort, specifically measuring the time to cessation of ear pain and objective outcomes describing episodic or acute changes like the reduction of swelling and redness. Findings described that combinations including a corticosteroid was associated with shorter observed time until patients reported reduced outcomes related to physical discomfort, compared to antibiotic-only drops. Clinical success criteria and microbiological status were tracked at specified follow-up points across the different treatment groups.

What is Still Uncertain About Angel's Research Base

Comparative evidence is lacking regarding clinical superiority across all commercially available antibiotic/steroid combination ear drops. Data are still emerging for use in patients with certain anatomical conditions and in the very youngest pediatric patients.

Key Studies & References

  1. Ophthalmic Antibiotic–Steroid Combinations Therapeutic Class Review (TCR) (Used for comparative and general context on use in ocular conditions)
  2. Clinical Profile of Neomycin Sulfate/Polymyxin B Sulfate/Dexamethasone Ophthalmic Suspension (Used for general clinical indications and population details)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Angel (FAQ)

Q: What kind of drug is Angel and what is it used for?

Angel is classified as a monoclonal antibody, which is a type of biologic medicine. According to official product information, it is used as an add-on treatment for patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma that requires specific advanced therapy. This medicine is only approved for use in patients who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the regulatory documents.


Q: Does Angel completely cure asthma?

No, Angel is not considered a cure for asthma. Official documents state that it is a long-term control medicine designed to improve asthma management. Regulatory information indicates its use is intended to help reduce the frequency of severe asthma attacks and potentially decrease the need for other long-term control medications.


Q: Is it safe to stop my other asthma medication when I start Angel?

Regulatory documents emphasize that Angel is intended to be an add-on therapy to existing asthma treatments. Official warnings state that patients must not suddenly stop or decrease the dose of their oral or inhaled corticosteroid medicines upon starting Angel. Any adjustments to your long-term asthma treatment plan should be discussed and made with your healthcare provider.


Q: Can I give Angel to my child who is under 12 years old?

Official product information indicates that Angel is not approved for use in children under 12 years of age. Eligibility criteria for all medicines are based on specific clinical trials and regulatory review for different age groups. Treatment should align strictly with the approved indications and age restrictions listed in the official product information.

How should Angel be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Instructions for Angel (Dexamethasone and Neomycin Drops)

Angel must be stored strictly according to regulatory labeling to maintain its stability and sterility. The medicine should be kept out of the sight and reach of children.


Storage Conditions

Detail Requirement
Temperature Store upright at 8 C to 27 C (46 F to 80 F) [1.3, 1.5, 2.2].
Handling Do not freeze and keep the bottle tightly closed [1.1, 1.8].
Post-Opening Discard after 28 days of first opening [1.2, 1.7, 1.8].
Protection Protect from light and excessive heat [1.4, 2.1].

Disposal Rules

Unused or expired drops must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements [1.8, 2.3, 2.5]. The medicine should not be flushed down the toilet or poured into a drain unless specific instructions permit this [2.6].

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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