Polymyxin b sulfate trimethoprim ophthalmic solution usp

What is this medication?

POLYMYXIN B; TRIMETHOPRIM (pol i MIX in B; trye METH oh prim) treats eye infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called antibiotics. It will not treat infections caused by viruses.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Polytrim

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

How should I use this medication?

This medication is used in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly. Pull your lower eyelid down gently to form a pouch. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Use your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Use all of your medication as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medication early.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children and infants for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without advice of your care team.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Check with your care team if your condition does not get better after 5 days, or if it gets worse.

If you wear contact lenses, ask when you can use your lenses again.

A burning or stinging reaction that does not go away may mean you are allergic to this product. Stop use and call your care team.

To prevent the spread of infection, do not share eye products or other personal items with anyone else.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature 15 to 25 degrees C (59 to 77 degrees F). Protect from light. To prevent the spread of infection, it is best to throw away any unused eye drops after you finish the course of treatment. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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  • What is polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
  • What are the side effects of polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?
  • What is the dosage for polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?
  • Which drugs or supplements interact with polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?
  • Is polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
  • What else should I know about polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?

What is polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim is an antibiotic eye drop composed of two drugs. Polymyxin B sulfate works by altering bacterial cell wall structure that causes the leaking out of cellular contents that can result in cell death. Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that interferes with the production of tetrahydrofolic acid, a chemical that is necessary for bacteria and human cells to produce proteins. Trimethoprim inhibits production of tetrahydrofolic acid by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for making tetrahydrofolic acid from dihydrofolic acid. This inhibition interferes with the ability of bacteria to survive. Polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as:

  • Staphylococcus aureus and epidermis,
  • Streptococcus pyogenes,
  • Streptococcus faecalis,
  • Streptococcus pneumonia,
  • E. coli,
  • Haemophilus influenzae,
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae,
  • and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The FDA approved polymyxin B sulphate/trimethoprim in October 1988.

What brand names are available for polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?

Polytrim

Is polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?

Yes

What are the side effects of polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?

Side effects of polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim are

  • redness,
  • itching, and
  • irritation.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions like  edema (swelling) and rash may occur.

What is the dosage for polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?

The recommended dosing for polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim is to apply 1 drop into the affected eye(s) every 3 hours for 7 to 10 days with a maximum of 6 doses per day.

Which drugs or supplements interact with polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?

: Drug interactions have not been established for polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim combination eye drops.

Polymyxin b sulfate trimethoprim ophthalmic solution usp

SLIDESHOW

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Symptoms, Causes, Treatments See Slideshow

Is polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

: There are no adequate studies done on polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.

It is not known whether polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim enters breast milk. It is best use caution before using it in nursing mothers.

What else should I know about polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?

What preparations of polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic are available?

Polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim is a sterile eye drop, containing polymyxin B sulfate 10,000 units/ml and trimethoprim sulfate 1 mg/ml, available in 10 ml dispenser bottles.

How should I keep polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic stored?

Store polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim between temperatures of 15 C to 25 C (59 F - 77 F).

Summary

Polymyxin B sulfate and trimethoprim (Polytrim) is an antibacterial eye drop prescribed to treat bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharoconjunctivitis of the eyes. Side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy safety, dosage, and storage information should be reviewed prior to using this medication.

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    Picture of Bacterial Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

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    The eye has a number of components which include but are not limited to the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, macula, optic...

  • Polymyxin b sulfate trimethoprim ophthalmic solution usp

    Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

    Pinkeye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents.

  • Polymyxin b sulfate trimethoprim ophthalmic solution usp

    Blepharitis

    Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Acne rosacea, staphylococcal bacteria, allergies, sensitivities to makeup or contact lens solutions, head lice, or other conditions may cause blepharitis. Symptoms and signs include itchy eyelids, burning sensation in the eyes, crusting of the eyelids, light sensitivity, red, swollen eyelids, loss of eyelashes, and dandruff of the lashes and eyebrows. Proper eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine controls blepharitis.

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    What Are the Types of Eye Care?

    Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an OTC eye care product.

Treatment & Diagnosis

Medications & Supplements

Polymyxin b sulfate trimethoprim ophthalmic solution usp

QUESTION

What causes dry eyes? See Answer

Polymyxin b sulfate trimethoprim ophthalmic solution usp

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

FDA Prescribing Information.

How long does polymyxin take to work for pink eye?

If the conjunctivitis is indeed bacterial in nature, it may have been caused by a strain of bacteria that is not sensitive to PolyTrim. If there is no improvement in 36-72 hours, chances are you need to contact your primary care provider and request to be started on a different antibiotic.”

How long is polymyxin B sulfate and trimethoprim ophthalmic solution good for?

The combination of polymyxin B and trimethoprim comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eye. It is usually instilled once in the affected eye(s) every three hours (maximum of 6 doses in 24 hours) for 7 to 10 days.

What are the side effects of polymyxin eye drops?

Common side effects may include: mild burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes..
eye pain, swelling, redness, or severe discomfort;.
crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);.
swelling or redness of your eyelids; or..
new or worsening symptoms..

Does polymyxin have side effects?

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Dizziness..
drowsiness..
headache..
numbness or tingling in hands or feet..
pain in the lower back or side..
shakiness and unsteady walk..
stiff neck..
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination..