Trimethoprim-Polymyxin B Ophthalmic

Trimethoprim/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharoconjunctivitis.

• Trimethoprim/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic is available under the following different brand names: Polytrim Ophthalmic Solution

Adult and pediatric dosage

Ophthalmic solution

• (1mg/10,000 units)/mL

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Adult dosage

• Instill 1 drop in affected eye(s) every 3 hours for 7-10 days; not to exceed 6 doses/day

Pediatric dosage

• Children below 2 months: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children above 2 years: Instill 1 drop in affected eye(s) every 3 hours for 7-10 days; not to exceed 6 doses/day

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of Trimethoprim/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic include:

• eye irritation (redness, burning, stinging, or itching), 
• eyelid swelling,
• itching,
• increased redness,
• tearing of the eye, and
• rash.

Serious side effects of Trimethoprim/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic include:

• increasing redness, burning, stinging, or itching of the eye.

Rare side effects of Trimethoprim/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic include:

• none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Trimethoprim/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Trimethoprim/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Trimethoprim/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Trimethoprim/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs. 

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Trimethoprim/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Trimethoprim/Polymyxin B Ophthalmic?”

Cautions

• Not for injection into the eye
• Not indicated for prophylaxis or treatment of ophthalmia neonatorum
• Prolonged use may result in the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms
• Avoid contaminating the applicator tip with material from the eye, fingers, or another source
• If redness, irritation, swelling, or pain persists or increases, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention
• Advise patient not to wear contact lenses with active signs and symptoms of ocular bacterial infections or while using antibacterial eyedrops

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.
• Lactation
  • Unknown whether distributed in breast milk