Oh, that gritty, red, and unhappy eye. It’s no fun, is it? Whether it’s you or your little one, an eye infection can really throw a wrench in things. If we’ve talked and decided that a bacterial culprit is likely to blame, we might prescribe an eye solution called Polymyxin B Trimethoprim. You might also know it by its common brand name, Polytrim. This medicine is a combination of two antibiotics, and it’s quite good at tackling those pesky bacteria causing the trouble. Just remember, it’s specifically for bacterial infections – it won’t do a thing for viral ones, like the common cold that sometimes gives you pink eye.
Before We Get Started: Key Things I Need to Know
When I’m considering any new medication for you, including Polymyxin B Trimethoprim, there are a few things that help me make the best decision. So, please give me a heads-up if:
- You wear contact lenses. We’ll need to chat about when it’s safe to pop those back in.
- You’ve ever had an allergic reaction to polymyxin B, trimethoprim, or any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives. This is really important.
- You’re pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding.
It just helps us make sure this is the right and safe choice for you.
How to Use Your Eye Drops Correctly
Using eye drops can feel a bit awkward at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. Here’s how we usually recommend doing it:
- Wash your hands! Always, before and after. Clean hands are key.
- Gently tilt your head back a bit.
- With one hand, carefully pull your lower eyelid down. This creates a little pocket for the drops.
- Now, here’s a crucial bit: Don’t let the tip of the dropper touch your eye, your fingers, or any other surface. We want to keep it clean.
- Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into that little pocket you made.
- Close your eye gently for a moment. This helps spread the drops around.
- Try to use your drops at regular intervals, just as we discussed and as it says on the label. And please, don’t use more than directed.
- Finish the full course! Even if your eye starts feeling much better after a day or two, it’s really important to use all the medication as prescribed. Stopping early can sometimes let the tougher bacteria survive and cause more trouble later.
For the little ones, this medication can be prescribed for children and even infants for certain conditions. We’ll always discuss any specific precautions if it’s for your child.
What If I Miss a Dose?
Whoops, it happens! If you miss a dose, just use it as soon as you remember. But, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, just skip the missed one and get back on track. Don’t use double or extra doses to “catch up.”
What About an Overdose?
If you think you or someone else has used far too much of this medicine, it’s best to contact a poison control center or head to an emergency room right away. Better safe than sorry.
Interactions with Other Medications
Generally, with these eye drops, we don’t expect major interactions with other medications you might be taking. However, it’s always a good rule of thumb not to use any other eye products (like other drops or ointments) at the same time unless we’ve specifically talked about it and given you the okay.
When you come see me, it’s always helpful if you bring a list of everything you’re taking – medicines, herbs, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements. And let me know if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. It all helps paint a complete picture.
Things to Keep an Eye On (Pun Intended!)
While you’re using Polymyxin B Trimethoprim, here are a few things to watch for:
- If your eye condition doesn’t seem to be getting better after about 5 days, or if it actually looks or feels worse, please give me a call.
- If you’re a contact lens wearer, we need to discuss when it’s safe for you to start using your lenses again. Usually, it’s best to avoid them while you have an infection and are using drops.
- Sometimes, you might feel a little burning or stinging when you put the drops in. That can be normal. But if that sensation is strong and doesn’t go away, it might mean you’re allergic to the product. If that happens, stop using the drops and call us.
- To keep infections from spreading, it’s best not to share eye products or other personal items like towels with anyone else.
Potential Side Effects: What to Expect
Most people do just fine with these drops, but like any medication, there can be side effects. We can break them down into two groups:
| Type of Side Effect | What You Might Notice |
|---|---|
| Give Us a Call Sooner Rather Than Later If You See These: | |
| Allergic Reactions | Things like a skin rash, itching, hives, or any swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. These are signs we need to know about right away. |
| Worsening Eye Symptoms | If you notice new or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or any discharge that seems different or more severe. |
| More Common, Usually Mild (But Let Us Know If They Hang Around or Bother You): | |
| Mild Irritation | A little bit of eye irritation or itching right after putting the drops in. |
| Watery Eyes | You might notice your eyes are a bit more watery than usual just after you use the drops. |
This isn’t a complete list of every single thing that could possibly happen, but it covers the main ones. If you notice anything else that’s worrying you, don’t hesitate to call.
Storing Your Medication Safely
Keep these drops out of the reach of children, always.
Store them at room temperature – generally between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, which is about 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Try to protect the bottle from light.
Once you’ve finished the full course of treatment, it’s a good idea to throw away any leftover eye drops. This helps prevent any accidental use or spread of infection later on. And, of course, throw away any medication that’s past its expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Polymyxin B Trimethoprim is an antibiotic eye drop for bacterial eye infections.
- Always wash your hands before and after using eye drops.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface, including your eye.
- Complete the entire prescribed course, even if your eye feels better sooner.
- Let your doctor know if you have allergies, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or wear contact lenses.
- Watch for signs of allergic reaction or if the infection isn’t improving, and call your doctor if concerned.
- Store at room temperature and discard after treatment or expiry.
Dealing with an eye infection is a nuisance, I know. But by using your medication correctly and keeping an eye on things, we can usually get you feeling better pretty quickly. You’re not alone in this, and we’re here to help.