Key takeaways
Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) and Quixin (levofloxacin) are both antibiotic eye drops used to treat bacterial eye infections, but they have some key differences. Polytrim is a combination of two antibiotics, polymyxin B and trimethoprim, and is used for mild-to-moderate infections in adults and children as young as 2 months. It needs to be applied every 3 hours, up to 6 times a day, for 7 to 10 days. On the other hand, Quixin contains levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, and is used for bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. Quixin has different dosing schedules depending on the strength: the 0.5% strength is used for pink eye and the 1.5% strength for corneal ulcers, with more frequent applications initially. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Both medications can cause temporary eye irritation, but Quixin may also cause headaches and changes in taste. Additionally, Polytrim is safe for use in younger children, whereas Quixin is recommended for children 6 years and older.
