polymyxin b/trimethoprim
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.
What is Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim)?
What is Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) used for?
- Mild-to-moderate infections on the eye and eyelid
How Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) works
Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) is a combination of two antibiotics that work together to kill bacteria:
- Polymyxin B: is a polypeptide antibiotic that breaks the outer protective covering that bacteria need to grow and survive.
- Trimethoprim is an antifolate. It works by stopping bacteria from being able to make a substance (folic acid) that's needed for them to grow and survive.
Drug facts
Side effects of Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Eye irritation (e.g., redness, burning, stinging, itching)
Less Common Side Effects
- Swollen eyelid(s)
- Red eyes
- Tearing
Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling in the face, tongue, or throat
The following Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Eye irritation or itching
- Increased tears after use
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Pros and cons of Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim)
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
Pharmacist tips for Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim)
- Make sure to take Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) exactly as prescribed. Use the medication even if you start to feel better. Stopping Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) too soon can cause your infection to come back and be harder to treat.
- Let your optometrist know if you wear contacts. They might recommend you wear glasses while you're using Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim). It's generally recommended to not wear contacts while you have an eye infection because they can affect how quickly you recover from the infection or become contaminated with the bacteria that's in your eye.
- Wash your hands before and after using Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim). To avoid spreading germs into the medication or spreading the infection to other people, don't touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your eye, eyelids, or ear.
- How to use Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim): To use Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim), tilt your head backward and look up. Then, gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a small pocket and squeeze one drop of medication into this pocket. Don't blink or wipe your eyes. Close your eyes while pressing a finger against the inside corner of your eye for about 1 minute to help keep the medication in your eye.
- Make sure to keep the Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) bottle capped and closed tightly when you're not using it. Don't share the medication with anyone to prevent the infection from spreading to other people.
- If you're using Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) at the same time as other eye drop medications, wait at least 5 minutes between each medication to give your eyes time to absorb each medication.
- Keep the Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) bottle at room temperature. Don't put it in the fridge or freezer.
Common questions about Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim)
Typically, your optometrist or ophthalmologist will recommend that you use Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) for 7 to 10 days to treat eye infections, including bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). Make sure to use Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) exactly as prescribed. Stopping this medication too early might cause the eye infection to come back and become harder to treat.
Usually, your optometrist or ophthalmologist will ask that you use Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) once every 3 hours while you're awake, up to 6 doses per day. But directions might differ depending on your infection.
No, Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) isn't a sulfa medication. One of the active ingredients in Polytrim is polymyxin B sulfate. But it isn't considered a sulfa medication and shouldn't trigger a reaction in anyone with a sulfa allergy.
No, Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) doesn't contain any steroids. But rather, it contains two antibiotics that work differently to kill bacteria that are causing an eye infection.
Some people have reported a burning sensation in the eye(s) after using Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim). This can happen right when you put the eye drops in your eye(s) or within 2 days of using this medication. The burning sensation might get better as you continue using Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) and should go away after you're done with treatment. But if it's painful or doesn't go away, contact your optometrist.
Yes, Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) can expire. There should be an expiration date that's written on the medication box or bottle. Don't use Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) past the written expiration date because it might not work well to help treat your eye infection.
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Risks and warnings for Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim)
Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
For use in the eye only
Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) are drops that should only be placed on the surface of the eye. Don't apply Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) to any other place on your body.
New infection
- Risk factors: Using Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) for too long
It's possible to get a new infection from fungi or bacteria that are resistant to Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) after using this medication for a while. Don't use this medication longer than prescribed. Let your eye provider know if you notice symptoms of a new infection or if the original symptoms do not get better after using Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim).
Damage to contact lenses (when used in the eye)
Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) contains a preservative called benzalkonium chloride. This preservative can get absorbed into soft contact lenses and damage them. If your eye provider said you can wear contact lenses during treatment, take them out before you use the eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the medication to put them back into your eye(s).
Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) dosage
Eye dropper| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10ml of 10000units/1mg/ml | 1 eye dropper | $9.96 | $9.96 |
Typical dosage for Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim)
The typical dose is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 3 hours for 7 to 10 days. Don't use more than 6 doses per day.
How much does Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) cost?
$9.96
Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) will not be safe for you to take.
- Severe allergy to polymyxin B or trimethoprim
What are alternatives to Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim)?
Polytrim (polymyxin B / trimethoprim) images
