Uses

What is bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic (eye) is commonly used for certain eye infections caused by bacteria.

Bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic, which will make it not work as well.

Bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Other forms of bacitracin/polymyxin B are available for use on the skin. See Bacitracin/polymyxin B topical for more information.

How does bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to build a cell wall and by weakening their cell membrane.

How is bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic is available in the following dosage form that is applied to the eye.

  • 500 units/10,000 units per gram ophthalmic ointment

How should I store bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the medicine container tightly closed until you are ready to use it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic.

  • Bacitracin
  • Polymyxin B
  • Polysporin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. 

Use bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic as prescribed. Using it in a way other than it was prescribed may increase the chance that the bacteria will develop resistance to bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic. This may cause bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic to not work as well in the future. 

Only use bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic for an infection if your healthcare provider has prescribed it for this reason. If symptoms of an infection return after using bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic, contact your healthcare provider.

Do not share bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the medicine to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Do not inject bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic into the eye.

You may experience temporary blurred vision after using bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic interact with other drugs you are taking?
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Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to bacitracin/polymyxin B ophthalmic or other similar medicines.

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