What is Polytrim (Polymyxin B Trimethoprim Ophthalmic)?

Polymyxin B and trimethoprim are antibiotics that fight bacteria in the body.
Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Polytrim (Polymyxin B Trimethoprim Ophthalmic)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to polymyxin B or trimethoprim.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have swelling or redness of your eyelids, eye redness, eye pain, sensitivity to light; or drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Polytrim (Polymyxin B Trimethoprim Ophthalmic)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to polymyxin B or trimethoprim.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Polytrim Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Polytrim (Polymyxin B Trimethoprim Ophthalmic)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• swelling or redness of your eyelids
• eye redness, pain, irritation or sensitivity to light; or
• drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild burning, stinging, or itching in your eye
• mild swelling, itching, or redness of your eyelids
• blurred vision
• watery eyes; or
• mild skin rash around your eyes

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs affect Polytrim (Polymyxin B Trimethoprim Ophthalmic)?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new; medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Polytrim (Polymyxin B Trimethoprim Ophthalmic)?

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Polymyxin B anbd trimethoprim ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.
Avoid using other eye medications that your doctor has not prescribed.

Polytrim Dosage

How should I take Polytrim (Polymyxin B Trimethoprim Ophthalmic)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye
• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop
• Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I overdose on Polytrim (Polymyxin B Trimethoprim Ophthalmic)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Polytrim (Polymyxin B Trimethoprim Ophthalmic)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com