Polytrim vs. Besivance for Eye Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Polytrim

(polymyxin B / trimethoprim)

Besivance

(besifloxacin)

Summary for Polytrim

Prescription only

Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) is a combination antibiotic eye drop. It's used to treat mild-to-moderate bacterial eye infections, such as pink eye, in adults and children ages 2 months and older. The typical dose is 1 drop applied directly in the eye(s) every 3 hours for 7 to 10 days. Some of the more common side effects of this eye drop include symptoms of eye irritation, such as redness, stinging, and itching. Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) is available as a lower-cost generic.

Indications for Polytrim

Mild-to-moderate infections on the eye and eyelid

Pros and Cons for Polytrim

Pros

Can treat a variety of eye infections in adults and children
Available as a lower-cost generic
Applied directly on the eyes, so it has less side effects than oral antibiotics

Cons

Has to be used every 3 hours for at least a week
Can cause temporary eye irritation after applying
Can make your eyes more sensitive to light

Common Side Effects for Polytrim

Eye irritation (e.g., redness, burning, stinging, itching)

Warnings for Polytrim

For use in the eye only
New infection
Damage to contact lenses (when used in the eye)

Summary for Besivance

Prescription only

Besivance is a prescription eye drop used to treat bacterial pink eye in adults and children 1 year of age and older. It belongs to the fluoroquinolone antibiotic class. The dosage is typically 1 drop three times per day for 7 days to treat the eye infection. Currently it's available only as a brand-name medication as a generic is not yet available. Side effects aren't common, but include eye redness.

Indications for Besivance

Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) in people ages 1 year and older

Pros and Cons for Besivance

Pros

Applied directly to the eye to target the infection
Side effects aren't common and are usually mild
Can be used in children as young as 1 year old

Cons

Can cause temporary eye redness or irritation
Can take days before you get symptom relief
No lower-cost generic is available

Common Side Effects for Besivance

Eye redness (2%)

Warnings for Besivance

Only for use on the surface of the eye
New or worsening eye infections

Prices with our coupons for Polytrim vs. Besivance

Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim1 eye dropper / 10ml of 10000units/1mg/ml

$10.46$11.91

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Besivance1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.6%

$140.62$237.63

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Polytrim vs. Besivance

Polytrim

Besivance

Summary for Polytrim

Indications for Polytrim

Pros and Cons for Polytrim

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Polytrim

Warnings for Polytrim

Summary for Besivance

Indications for Besivance

Pros and Cons for Besivance

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Besivance

Warnings for Besivance

Prices with our coupons for Polytrim vs. Besivance

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Polytrim

Besivance

Summary for Polytrim

Indications for Polytrim

Pros and Cons for Polytrim

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Polytrim

Warnings for Polytrim

Summary for Besivance

Indications for Besivance

Pros and Cons for Besivance

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Besivance

Warnings for Besivance