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Compare Polytrim vs. Ocuflox

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) and Ocuflox (ofloxacin) 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. Ocuflox, on the other hand, is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers in people aged 1 year and older. The dosing schedule for Ocuflox varies depending on the condition being treated, and it can require more frequent applications, especially in the first few days. Both medications can cause temporary eye irritation and sensitivity to light. Additionally, both medications contain benzalkonium chloride, which can damage contact lenses, so you should avoid wearing contacts while using them. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim)
    Ofloxacin (Ocuflox)
  • Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim)
    Ofloxacin (Ocuflox)

  • Summary of Polytrim vs. Ocuflox

    Summary for Antibiotic
    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.

    Summary for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Ofloxacin (Ocuflox) is an eye drop medication that's approved for use in people ages 1 year and older. It's a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that treats conjunctivitis (pink eye) and corneal ulcers caused by bacterial infections. Ofloxacin (Ocuflox) is typically used multiple times per day, depending on the reason you need the eye drops and what day of treatment you're on. Side effects aren't common but can include a temporary burning sensation or discomfort in the eye.

  • Indications of Polytrim vs. Ocuflox

    Indications for
    •Mild-to-moderate infections on the eye and eyelid
    Indications for
    •Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
    •Corneal ulcer (keratitis) that's caused by a bacterial infection

  • Pros and Cons of Polytrim vs. Ocuflox

    Pros and Const for Antibiotic
    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
    Pros and Const for Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Directly treats where the bacterial infection is (in the eye)
    •Lower risk of corneal deposits than ciprofloxacin eye drops (Ciloxan)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Must follow specific instructions and use multiple times a day
    •Can take days before you get symptom relief
    •Need to wake up in the middle of the night to use the eye drops for the first 2 days of treatment for corneal ulcers

  • Common Side Effects of Polytrim vs. Ocuflox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye irritation (e.g., redness, burning, stinging, itching)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary burning sensation in the eye
    •Temporary eye discomfort

  • Warnings of Polytrim vs. Ocuflox

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eye only
    •New infection
    •Damage to contact lenses (when used in the eye)
    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eye only
    •Risk of developing new infection
    •Damage to contact lenses (when used in the eye)
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Polytrim vs. Ocuflox

    Learn more about Polytrim
    Learn more about Ofloxacin

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