Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic

Generic name: polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic [ POL-ee-MIX-in-B-and-try-METH-oh-prim-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand name: Polytrim
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (10000 units-1 mg/mL)
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 24, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?

Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic (for use in the eyes) is a combination medicine used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.

Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Stop using polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

• 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.

Common side effects of polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic may include:

• mild burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic if you are allergic to polymyxin B or trimethoprim.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 2 months old.

How should I use polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?

This medicine is usually applied once every 3 hours for 7 to 10 days. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 3 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Maximum dose: 6 doses/day

Uses: For the treatment of mild to moderate surface ocular bacterial infections (including acute bacterial conjunctivitis) and blepharoconjunctivitis due to susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus, S epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, viridans streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Usual Adult Dose for Blepharoconjunctivitis:

Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 3 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Maximum dose: 6 doses/day

Uses: For the treatment of mild to moderate surface ocular bacterial infections (including acute bacterial conjunctivitis) and blepharoconjunctivitis due to susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus, S epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, viridans streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

2 months or older: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 3 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Maximum dose: 6 doses/day

Uses: For the treatment of mild to moderate surface ocular bacterial infections (including acute bacterial conjunctivitis) and blepharoconjunctivitis due to susceptible strains of S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, viridans streptococci, H influenzae, P aeruginosa

Usual Pediatric Dose for Blepharoconjunctivitis:

2 months or older: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 3 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Maximum dose: 6 doses/day

Uses: For the treatment of mild to moderate surface ocular bacterial infections (including acute bacterial conjunctivitis) and blepharoconjunctivitis due to susceptible strains of S aureus, S epidermidis, S pneumoniae, viridans streptococci, H influenzae, P aeruginosa

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?

Do not use polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic while wearing contact lenses. Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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