Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Ak-Poly-Bac, Polysporin Ophthalmic, Polycin
- Antibiotics, Ophthalmic Combos
polymyxin B/bacitracin topical (OTC)
- Classes: Antibacterials, Topical
Description
Bacitracin; Polymyxin B is available in ophthalmic and topical forms. Polymyxin B is primarily active against gram-negative, aerobic bacteria, while bacitracin is effective against gram-positive bacteria.
Indications
Indication for the treatment of Ophthalmic Infection
Often used in blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and post-operative prophylaxis
Indicated for the Treatment of Prophylaxis Superficial Skin Infection
For gram-pos & gram-neg infections
Does not cause allergic contact dermatitis like neosporin or other neomycin containing topical antibiotic preparations
Contraindications
Minor ocular irritation; hypersensitivity to polymixin or product components
Hypersensitivity
Not for ophthalmic use or over large areas of body
Adverse Effects
Allergic contact dermatitis
Conjunctival erythema
Swelling
Itching
Burning
Allergic contact dermatitis
Warnings
Ointment may blur vision
Not for injection into the eye
Never to be directly introduced into anterior chamber of the eye; ophthalmic ointments may retard corneal wound healing
Allergic cross-reactions may occur which could prevent the use of any or all of the antibiotics for treatment of future infections, including kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, and possibly gentamicin
Pregnancy and Lactation
Not known whether therapy can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity; the drug should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed
Not known whether drug is excreted in human milk; because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when the drug is administered to a nursing woman
Maximum Dosage
8 applications/day for up to 10 days for ophthalmic ointment; 3 applications/day for up to 7 days topically.
8 applications/day for up to 10 days for ophthalmic ointment; 3 applications/day for up to 7 days topically.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
How supplied
Polymyxin B / bacitracin ophthalmic
ointment
- (polymyxin B 10,000units/bacitracin 500units)/g
Polymyxin B/bacitracin topical
topical ointment, cream
- (10,000unit/500unit)/g