Polymyxin B and trimethoprim are antibiotics that fight bacteria in the body.
Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to treat eye infections
caused by bacteria.
Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed
in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication 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. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts
or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold
the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you
squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye
(near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you
use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface,
including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in
your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your
doctor for a new prescription.
Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle
tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose of polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
use extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
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; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side
effect such as:
swelling or redness of your eyelids;
eye redness, pain, irritation or sensitivity to light; or
drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild burning, stinging, or itching in your eye;
mild swelling, itching, or redness of your eyelids;
blurred vision;
watery eyes; or
mild skin rash around your eyes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to polymyxin B or
trimethoprim.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the
dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision
loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Polymyxin B and
trimethoprim ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses
and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using polymyxin B and trimethoprim
ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have swelling or
redness of your eyelids, eye redness, eye pain, sensitivity to light; or drainage, crusting, or oozing
of your eyes or eyelids.
What should I avoid while taking polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic?
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Polymyxin B anbd
trimethoprim ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses
and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using polymyxin B and trimethoprim
ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.
Avoid using other eye medications that your doctor has not prescribed.
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 ophthalmic used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other.
Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins,
minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new; medication
without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of 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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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
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given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
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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