Does Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim) cause side effects?
Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim) is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial infections of the eye and 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.
Polymyxin B sulfate works by altering bacterial cell wall structure that causes the leaking out of cellular contents that can result in cell death. Trimethoprim interferes with the production of tetrahydrofolic acid, a chemical necessary for bacteria and human cells to produce proteins.
Trimethoprim inhibits 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.
Common side effects of Polytrim include
- eye redness,
- itching, and
- irritation.
Serious side effects of Polytrim include hypersensitivity reactions like
Drug interactions have not been established for Polytrim combination eye drops.
There are no adequate studies done on Polytrim to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. It is unknown if Polytrim enters breast milk. Breastfeeding women should use caution.
What are the important side effects of Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim)?
Side effects of polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim are
Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim) side effects list for healthcare professionals
The most frequent adverse reaction to Polytrim Ophthalmic Solution is local irritation consisting of
- increased redness,
- burning,
- stinging, and/or
- itching.
This may occur on instillation, within 48 hours, or at any time with extended use.
There are also multiple reports of hypersensitivity reactions consisting of
- lid edema,
- itching,
- increased redness,
- tearing, and/or
- circumocular rash.
Photosensitivity has been reported in patients taking oral trimethoprim.
Summary
Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim) is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial infections of the eye and is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Common side effects of Polytrim include eye redness, itching, and irritation. Serious side effects of Polytrim include hypersensitivity reactions like swelling (edema) and rash. There are no adequate studies done on Polytrim to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. It is unknown if Polytrim enters breast milk. Breastfeeding women should use caution.
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Professional side effects and drug interactions sections courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.