Uses
What is polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic used for?
Polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic (eye) is commonly used for certain eye infections caused by bacteria, including the following.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye), which is a condition in which part of your eye is inflamed, sometimes from bacteria
- Blepharoconjunctivitis, which is a condition in which part of your eye and eyelid is inflamed, sometimes from bacteria
Polymyxin B/trimethoprim 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 polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic, which will make it less effective.
Polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?
Polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create proteins or other substances that they need to grow and reproduce and by weakening their cell membrane.
How is polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?
Polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic is available in the following dosage forms that are applied to the eye.
- 10,000 units/1 mg per milliliter (mL) ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
How should I store polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic?
Polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light. Keep the medicine in its box until you are ready to use it.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic?
The most common side effects of polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Eye redness or itching
- Eye burning or stinging
There may be other side effects of polymyxin B/trimethoprim 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 polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic?
While less common, the most serious side effects of polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using polymyxin B/trimethoprim 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 polymyxin B/trimethoprim 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 polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic.
- Polymyxin B/trimethoprim
- Polytrim
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic products they stock.
What should I know about polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic before using it?
Do not use polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider.
Use polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic as prescribed. Using it in a way other than it was prescribed may increase the chance that the bacteria will develop resistance to polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic. This may cause polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic to not work as well in the future.
Only use polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic for an infection if your healthcare provider has prescribed it for this reason. If symptoms of an infection return after using polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic, contact your healthcare provider.
Do not share polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic out of the reach of children.
Polymyxin B/trimethoprim 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 polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic into the eye.
Do not wear contact lenses during your treatment with polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using polymyxin B/trimethoprim 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 polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how polymyxin B/trimethoprim 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 polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.
Does polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between polymyxin B/trimethoprim 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.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic?
If you or someone else has used too much polymyxin B/trimethoprim 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 polymyxin B/trimethoprim 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 polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to polymyxin B/trimethoprim ophthalmic or other similar medicines.
Are you currently using Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim (Polytrim) ophthalmic?
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