Polymyxin B is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections.
The ophthalmic form of polymyxin B is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.
Polymyxin B ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking polymyxin B ophthalmic?
Do not use polymyxin B ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your
eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only.
Polymyxin B ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is
not known whether polymyxin B ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether polymyxin B passes into breast milk. Do not use polymyxin
B without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take polymyxin B ophthalmic?
Use polymyxin B eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after using your eyedrops.
To apply the eyedrops:
Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt
your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your
eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle
pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the
liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or
drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or
hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
Store polymyxin B ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose of polymyxin B ophthalmic?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your
next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed.
Do not
use a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about polymyxin B ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about polymyxin B ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of polymyxin B ophthalmic?
Serious side effects are not expected with this medication.
More commonly, some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision,
eyelid itching, eyelid swelling or crusting, tearing, or sensitivity to light may occur. Continue to
use polymyxin B and talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about polymyxin B ophthalmic?
Contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any
improvement in your condition after a few days
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to
prevent the fluid from draining down your tear ducts.
What should I avoid while taking polymyxin B ophthalmic?
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Polymyxin B ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision,
avoid these activities.
Use caution with contact lenses. Wear them only if your doctor approves. After applying
this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses.
Avoid other eye drops unless your doctor approves.
What other drugs will affect polymyxin B ophthalmic?
Avoid other eye medications unless they are approved by your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with polymixin B ophthalmic. Talk to
your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of polymyxin B 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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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
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interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009