Polymyxin B and Trimethoprim Ophthalmic

Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic combination is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye including conjunctivitis (pinkeye; infection of the membrane that covers the outside of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid) or blepharoconjunctivitis (infection of the membrane that covers the outside of the eyeball and the inside and outer parts of the eyelid). Polymyxin B and trimethoprim are in a class of medications called antibiotics. They work by killing bacteria that cause infections.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

The combination of polymyxin B and trimethoprim comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eye. It is usually instilled once in the affected eye(s) every three hours (maximum of 6 doses in 24 hours) for 7 to 10 days. Use ophthalmic polymyxin B and trimethoprim at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ophthalmic polymyxin B and trimethoprim exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

After you instill polymyxin B and trimethoprim eye drops, be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers, face, or any surface. If the tip does touch another surface, bacteria may get into the eye drops. If you think your eye drops have become contaminated, call your doctor or pharmacist.

You should expect your symptoms to improve during your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not go away or get worse, or if you develop other problems with your eyes during your treatment.

Use ophthalmic polymyxin B and trimethoprim until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using ophthalmic polymyxin B and trimethoprim too soon, your infection may not be completely cured and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
3. Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
4. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
5. While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid.
6. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
7. Close your eye and tip your head down as though looking at the floor.
8. Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure for 2-3 minutes.
9. Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
10. Wash your hands and if necessary your child’s hands after instillation to remove any medication.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

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