Brand Polytrim Opth Solution

This medication is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye surface (e.g., conjunctivitis, blepharoconjunctivitis). This product contains 2 medicines that belong to a class of drugs known as antibiotics. They work by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. This antibiotic treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for virus or fungus infections. Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Place the prescribed number of drops into the affected eye(s), usually every 3 hours or exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use more than 6 doses in 24 hours. The length of treatment is usually 7 to 10 days. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them for the full time of treatment. Ask your doctor when you may replace your lenses after finishing treatment. To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination of the dropper, do not touch the tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over the eye and place the prescribed number of drops in the pouch. Repeat in other eye if so directed by your doctor. Look down and gently close your eyes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Roll your eyes around while keeping them closed for 1 to 2 minutes to spread the medication around the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying any other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens after 48 hours.

Before using polymyxin B/trimethoprim, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Rarely, you may absorb enough medication from the eye to make you more sensitive to sunburn. Use caution when in the sun, and use protective clothing and sunblock if you notice that you burn more easily. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. The trimethoprim in this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other eye drops/ointments (e.g., antihistamines/decongestants, glaucoma medication such as timolol), other antibiotics taken by mouth or used in the eye (e.g., amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim). This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Eye redness, burning, stinging, or itchiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling in or around the eye, rash around the eyes, new whitish growths on the eye surface. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.