Polytrim eye drops are a prescription medication used to treat bacterial infections affecting the eye. They are specifically formulated for ophthalmic use, meaning they are applied directly to the eye’s surface. These drops contain a combination of antibiotic agents designed to combat various types of bacteria responsible for ocular infections.
What Are Polytrim Eye Drops?
Polytrim eye drops combine two active antibiotic ingredients: polymyxin B sulfate and trimethoprim. This ophthalmic combination antibiotic targets bacterial eye infections. Polymyxin B sulfate works by disrupting the outer membrane of bacteria, leading to cell death. Trimethoprim interferes with bacterial growth by inhibiting the production of tetrahydrofolic acid, a substance bacteria need to synthesize DNA and proteins. Together, these two components offer a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect by targeting different processes essential for bacterial survival.
Conditions Treated by Polytrim Eye Drops
Polytrim eye drops treat surface bacterial eye infections, including acute bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) and blepharoconjunctivitis. It is effective against susceptible bacteria that frequently cause these infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Polytrim is only effective against bacterial infections and will not treat eye infections caused by viruses or fungi. A healthcare provider determines if Polytrim is the appropriate treatment based on the specific type of infection present.
How to Administer Polytrim Eye Drops
Proper administration of Polytrim eye drops is important for effective treatment and to prevent contamination. Wash hands before handling the bottle. To avoid contaminating the dropper tip, do not touch it to your eye, fingers, or any other surface. Tilt your head back, look upward, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to create a small pocket.
Hold the dropper directly over your eye and squeeze one drop into this pouch. After applying the drop, gently close your eye and place a finger at the inner corner near your nose, applying gentle pressure for one to two minutes. This helps absorption and prevents draining out. The typical dosage for mild to moderate infections is one drop in the affected eye(s) every three hours, with a maximum of six doses per day, for seven to ten days. Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is cleared and reduce antibiotic resistance. Store the medication at room temperature and protect it from light.
Important Safety Information and Side Effects
Polytrim eye drops can cause side effects, though most are mild and temporary. Common reactions include temporary eye irritation such as increased redness, burning, stinging, or itching upon application. Some individuals may also experience temporary blurred vision. These effects usually subside quickly.
Serious, but rare, side effects can occur, and medical attention should be sought immediately. These include signs of an allergic reaction like hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Other symptoms requiring immediate medical consultation include severe eye pain, crusting or drainage from the eye, increased swelling or redness of the eyelids, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days. Do not share the medication with others. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, as the preservative in the drops can damage soft contact lenses.