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.
- Eye Diseases Pictures Slideshow
- Pink Eye Slideshow Pictures
- Eyes and Eye Conditions Quiz
- Does Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim) cause side effects?
- What are the important side effects of Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim)?
- Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim) side effects list for healthcare professionals
- Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim)
Does Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim) cause side effects?
Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim) is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial infections of the eye and 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.
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 interferes with the production of tetrahydrofolic acid, a chemical 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.
Common side effects of Polytrim include
- eye redness,
- itching, and
- irritation.
Serious side effects of Polytrim include hypersensitivity reactions like
- swelling (edema) and
- rash.
Drug interactions have not been established for Polytrim combination eye drops.
There are no adequate studies done on Polytrim to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. It is unknown if Polytrim enters breast milk. Breastfeeding women should use caution.
What are the important side effects of Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim)?
Side effects of polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim are
- redness,
- itching, and
- irritation.
- Hypersensitivity reactions like edema (swelling) and rash may occur.
Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim) side effects list for healthcare professionals
The most frequent adverse reaction to Polytrim Ophthalmic Solution is local irritation consisting of
- increased redness,
- burning,
- stinging, and/or
- itching.
This may occur on instillation, within 48 hours, or at any time with extended use.
There are also multiple reports of hypersensitivity reactions consisting of
- lid edema,
- itching,
- increased redness,
- tearing, and/or
- circumocular rash.
Photosensitivity has been reported in patients taking oral trimethoprim.
What drugs interact with Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim)?
No Information Provided
Summary
Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim) is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial infections of the eye and is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Common side effects of Polytrim include eye redness, itching, and irritation. Serious side effects of Polytrim include hypersensitivity reactions like swelling (edema) and rash. There are no adequate studies done on Polytrim to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. It is unknown if Polytrim enters breast milk. Breastfeeding women should use caution.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Recognize These Common Eye Problems
Eye diseases can cause damage and blindness if not treated soon enough. Learn the warning signs and symptoms of common eye...
-
Bacterial Infections 101: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments
Get more information on bacterial skin infections, which bacteria cause food poisoning, sexually transmitted bacteria, and more....
-
Eye Problems & Conditions Quiz
What do you know about your eyes? Take this quick quiz to learn about a range of eye diseases and conditions.
-
Eyeglasses and Frames: Glasses for Presbyopia, Sunglasses, Eye Problems
Learn about your eye care needs and fashion wishes -- with eye glasses, frames and eyewear for computer use, reading, driving,...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Staph (Staphylococcus) Infection
Staphylococcus or staph is a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases. Staph infections can cause illness directly by infection or indirectly by the toxins they produce. Symptoms and signs of a staph infection include redness, swelling, pain, and drainage of pus. Minor skin infections are treated with an antibiotic ointment, while more serious infections are treated with intravenous antibiotics.
-
H. pylori (Helicobacter Pylori) Infection
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that causes chronic inflammation (gastritis) of the inner lining of the stomach, and also is the most common cause of ulcers worldwide. About 50% of people in the world carries or is infected with H. pylori. Common symptoms of H. pylori infection are occasional abdominal discomfort, bloating, belching or burping, and nausea and vomiting. H. pylori infection is difficult to eradicate, and treatment is with two or more antibiotics.
-
Is a Staph Infection Contagious?
A staph infection is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Staph can cause boils, food poisoning, cellulitis, toxic shock syndrome, MRSA, and various other illnesses and infections. Most staph infections are transmitted from person to person.
-
Streptococcal Infections
Second Source article from Government
-
E. coli (0157:H7) Infection
There are many types of E. coli (Escherichia coli). E. coli can cause urinary tract and bladder infections, or lead to sepsis. E coli O157:H7 (EHEC) causes bloody diarrhea and colitis. Complications of E. coli infection include hemorrhagic diarrhea, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. E coli O157:H7 commonly is due to eating raw or undercooked hamburger or raw milk or dairy products.
-
Streptococcal Infections
Group A streptococcal infections are caused by group A Streptococcus, a bacteria that causes a variety of health problems, including strep throat, impetigo, cellulitis, erysipelas, and scarlet fever. There are more than 10 million group A strep infections each year.
-
Eye Herpes
Herpes of the eye occurs due to herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). Symptoms of herpes of the eye include pain in and around the eye, rash or sores on the eyelids, redness, swelling, and cloudiness of the cornea.
-
Eye Problems and Diabetes
Diabetes and eye problems are generally caused by high blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. Types of eye problems in a person with diabetes include glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy. Examples of symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, eye aches, pain, halos around lights, loss of vision, watering eyes. Treatment for eye problems in people with diabetes depend on the type of eye problem. Prevention of eye problems include reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and maintaining proper blood glucose levels.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
References
FDA Prescribing Information
Professional side effects and drug interactions sections courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.