polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic

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Pronunciation: POL ee MIX in B and try METH oh prim off THAL mik

Brand: Polytrim

What is the most important information I should know about polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?

Polymyxin B and trimethoprim are antibiotics that fight bacteria in the body.

Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic (for use in the eyes) is a combination medicine used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.

Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?

You should not use this medicine 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. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 2 months old.

How should I use polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?

This medicine is usually applied once every 3 hours. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
  • Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
  • Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
  • Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • eye pain, swelling, redness, or severe discomfort;
  • crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);
  • swelling or redness of your eyelids; or
  • new or worsening symptoms.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on polymyxin B and trimethoprim used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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