polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic
What is the most important information I should know about polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
What is polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?
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.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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 for 7 to 10 days. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
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 medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
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 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?
Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or 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.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01. Revision date: 2/3/2022.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.