pronounced as (pol'' ee mix' in) (trye meth' oh prim) Show
Polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic combination is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye including conjunctivitis (pinkeye; infection of the membrane that covers the outside of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid) or blepharoconjunctivitis (infection of the membrane that covers the outside of the eyeball and the inside and outer parts of the eyelid). Polymyxin B and trimethoprim are in a class of medications called antibiotics. They work by killing bacteria that cause infections. The combination of polymyxin B and trimethoprim comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eye. It is usually instilled once in the affected eye(s) every three hours (maximum of 6 doses in 24 hours) for 7 to 10 days. Use ophthalmic polymyxin B and trimethoprim at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ophthalmic polymyxin B and trimethoprim exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. After you instill polymyxin B and trimethoprim eye drops, be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers, face, or any surface. If the tip does touch another surface, bacteria may get into the eye drops. If you think your eye drops have become contaminated, call your doctor or pharmacist. You should expect your symptoms to improve during your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not go away or get worse, or if you develop other problems with your eyes during your treatment. Use ophthalmic polymyxin B and trimethoprim until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using ophthalmic polymyxin B and trimethoprim too soon, your infection may not be completely cured and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics. To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Before using ophthalmic polymyxin B and trimethoprim,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. Instill the missed dose in your eye(s) as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. Ophthalmic polymyxin B and trimethoprim may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Ophthalmic polymyxin B and trimethoprim may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088). Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911. Keep all appointments with your doctor. Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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