Polytrim Ophthalmic Solution (trimethoprim/polymyxin B ophthalmic) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

Sections

Sections trimethoprim/polymyxin B ophthalmic
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

trimethoprim/polymyxin B

ophthalmic solution

(1mg/10,000 units)/mL

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Indicated in the treatment of surface ocular bacterial infections, including acute bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharoconjunctivitis

Instill 1 gtt in affected eye(s) q3hr for 7-10 days; not to exceed 6 doses/day

Dosage Forms & Strengths

trimethoprim/polymyxin B

ophthalmic solution

(1mg/10,000 units)/mL

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Indicated in the treatment of surface ocular bacterial infections, including acute bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharoconjunctivitis

<2 months: Safety and efficacy not established

≥2 years: Instill 1 gtt in affected eye(s) q3hr for 7-10 days; not to exceed 6 doses/day

Frequency Not Defined

Local irritation consisting of increased redness, burning, stinging, and/or itching

Hypersensitivity reactions consisting of lid edema, itching, increased redness, tearing, and/or circumocular rash

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Cautions

Not for injection into the eye

Not indicated for prophylaxis or treatment of ophthalmia neonatorum

Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms

Avoid contaminating applicator tip with material from the eye, fingers, or other source

If redness, irritation, swelling or pain persists or increases, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention

Advise patient to not to wear contact lenses with active signs and symptoms of ocular bacterial infections or while using antibacterial eyedrops

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Mechanism of Action

Polymyxin B: Bactericidal; causes leakage of bacterial membrane by binding to phospholipids

Trimethoprim: Bactericidal; blocks production of tetrahydrofolic acid from dihydrofolic acid by binding to and reversibly inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductas

Indicated for ocular infections caused by susceptible strains of the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans, Haemophilus influenzae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Images

No images available for this drug.

Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

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The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

View explanations for tiers and restrictions

Tier	Description
1	This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2	This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC	NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.

Code	Definition
PA	Prior Authorization Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL	Quantity Limits Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST	Step Therapy Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR	Other Restrictions Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

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