polymyxin B sulfate and trimethoprim

Polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim is an antibiotic eye drop composed of two drugs. Polymyxin B sulfate works by altering bacterial cell wall structure that causes the leaking out of cellular contents which can result in cell death. Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that interferes with the production of tetrahydrofolic acid, a chemical that is necessary for bacteria and human cells to produce proteins. Trimethoprim inhibits the production of tetrahydrofolic acid by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for making tetrahydrofolic acid from dihydrofolic acid. This inhibition interferes with the ability of bacteria to survive. Polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as:

• Staphylococcus aureus and epidermis,
• Streptococcus pyogenes,
• Streptococcus faecalis,
• Streptococcus pneumonia,
• E. coli,
• Haemophilus influenzae,
• Klebsiella pneumoniae,
• and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The FDA approved polymyxin B sulphate/trimethoprim in October 1988.

What brand names are available for polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?

Polytrim

Is polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic?

Yes

The recommended dosing for polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim is to apply 1 drop into the affected eye(s) every 3 hours for 7 to 10 days with a maximum of 6 doses per day.

Side effects of polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Irritation

Hypersensitivity reactions like edema (swelling) and rash may occur.

Drug interactions have not been established for polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim combination eye drops.

There are no adequate studies done on polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.

It is not known whether polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim enters breast milk. It is best to use caution before using it in nursing mothers.

Polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim is a sterile eye drop, containing polymyxin B sulfate 10,000 units/ml and trimethoprim sulfate 1 mg/ml, available in 10 ml dispenser bottles.

Store polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim between temperatures of 15 C to 25 C (59 F - 77 F).