Type of medicine: antibiotic
Generic and brand names: polymyxin B and trimethoprim, ophthalmic; Polytrim Ophthalmic
This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to treat eye infections.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your provider if you wear contact lenses.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more drops or use them more often than directed. Using too much of this medicine may increase your risk of side effects.
Do not stop using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. If you stop using this medicine too soon your infection may return.
Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.
To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. After use, put the cap on tightly. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Do not use this medicine for other eye conditions unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not share eye medicines with others.
If your eyes do not get better in a few days or if they get worse, contact your healthcare provider.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider if you can continue to wear them while you are using this medicine. If you are able to wear contact lenses, wait at least 15 minutes after putting the medicine in your eyes before putting in your lenses.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Any new redness, irritation, rash, or swelling that develops while you are using the medicine.
Other: burning or itching after you use the eyedrops.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are using any other eye medicines. You may need to allow some time between applications of the different medicines.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
