What is Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Ophthalmic: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic is an antibiotic eye medication that combines two powerful infection-fighting ingredients to treat bacterial eye infections. This prescription eye drop or ointment works by stopping harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying in your eye tissues. Your doctor might prescribe this combination when you have a bacterial infection that needs the strength of two different antibiotics working together.

What is Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Ophthalmic?

This medication is a combination antibiotic designed specifically for eye infections. Bacitracin and polymyxin B are two different types of antibiotics that attack bacteria in different ways, making them more effective when used together than either would be alone.

The medication comes in two forms: eye drops and eye ointment. Both contain the same active ingredients but work slightly differently. Eye drops spread quickly across your eye surface, while ointment stays in contact with your eye longer but may cause temporary blurred vision.

You can only get this medication with a prescription from your doctor. It's specifically formulated to be safe for use in and around your eyes, unlike other forms of these antibiotics that might be used elsewhere on your body.

What is Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Ophthalmic Used For?

This medication treats bacterial infections of the eye and surrounding tissues. Your doctor will prescribe it when harmful bacteria have caused an infection that your body's natural defenses can't fight off alone.

Common infections this medication treats include bacterial conjunctivitis, which causes red, irritated eyes with discharge. It also helps with infections of the eyelid edges, called blepharitis, and minor infections following eye injuries or surgical procedures.

The medication works best against specific types of bacteria that commonly cause eye infections. However, it won't help with viral infections like those caused by the common cold, or fungal infections. Your doctor will determine if your infection is bacterial and if this particular combination is right for your situation.

Sometimes doctors prescribe this medication as a preventive measure after eye surgery or injury to stop bacteria from causing an infection in the first place.

How Does Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Ophthalmic Work?

This combination medication is considered moderately strong and works by using two different strategies to fight bacterial infections. Each antibiotic attacks bacteria in its own unique way, making it harder for the infection to survive.

Bacitracin works by interfering with how bacteria build their cell walls. Think of it as disrupting the bacteria's ability to create their protective outer shell. Without a proper cell wall, the bacteria can't survive and eventually die.

Polymyxin B takes a different approach by punching holes in the bacteria's cell membrane. This causes the bacteria's internal contents to leak out, which also leads to their death. Together, these two antibiotics create a powerful one-two punch against bacterial infections.

The medication starts working as soon as you apply it to your eye, but you might not notice improvement for 24 to 48 hours. Most people see significant improvement within 2 to 3 days of starting treatment.

How Should I Take Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Ophthalmic?

Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly when using this eye medication. The typical dose is one drop or a small ribbon of ointment applied to the affected eye every 3 to 4 hours, but your doctor may adjust this based on your specific situation.

Before applying the medication, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. For eye drops, tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Look up and squeeze one drop into this pocket, then gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes.

If you're using the ointment, apply a thin ribbon about half an inch long to the inside of your lower eyelid. Gently close your eye and move it around to spread the medication. Your vision may be blurry for a few minutes after applying ointment, which is completely normal.

You don't need to take this medication with food or milk since it doesn't go into your stomach. However, try to space your doses evenly throughout the day for the best results. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the medication and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.

Keep the medication at room temperature and don't let the tip of the bottle or tube touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface to prevent contamination.

How Long Should I Take Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Ophthalmic For?

Most people use this medication for 7 to 10 days, but your doctor will give you specific instructions based on your infection. It's crucial to complete the entire course of treatment even if your symptoms improve quickly.

Stopping the medication too early can allow surviving bacteria to multiply again, potentially causing your infection to return. These returning bacteria might also be more resistant to treatment, making future infections harder to cure.

If your symptoms haven't improved after 2 to 3 days of treatment, contact your doctor. You might need a different medication or additional testing to identify the specific bacteria causing your infection.

Some people notice their symptoms get better within the first day or two, but continue using the medication for the full prescribed period. Your doctor might want to see you for a follow-up visit to make sure the infection has completely cleared.

What Are the Side Effects of Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Ophthalmic?

Most people tolerate this medication well, but some side effects can occur. The most common side effects are mild and affect the area where you apply the medication.

You might experience temporary burning or stinging when you first apply the medication. This usually lasts only a few seconds and becomes less noticeable as your eyes adjust to the medication. Some people also notice mild redness or irritation around the eye area.

Here are the more common side effects you might experience:

• Temporary burning or stinging sensation
• Mild eye redness or irritation
• Temporary blurred vision, especially with ointment
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Increased tearing
• Mild swelling of the eyelids

These common side effects usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication and shouldn't interfere with your daily activities.

More serious side effects are rare but can occur. Contact your doctor if you experience severe allergic reactions, which might include significant swelling of your face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Less common but concerning side effects include:

• Severe eye pain or worsening infection symptoms
• New or worsening discharge from your eye
• Significant vision changes
• Severe allergic reactions with facial swelling
• Persistent severe burning or stinging
• Development of new symptoms like headache or nausea

If you experience any of these more serious side effects, stop using the medication and contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Who Should Not Take Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Ophthalmic?

This medication isn't right for everyone. You should not use it if you're allergic to bacitracin, polymyxin B, or any other ingredients in the formulation.

People with certain medical conditions need special consideration before using this medication. If you have a history of kidney problems, your doctor might choose a different treatment since polymyxin B can potentially affect kidney function, even when used in the eye.

Here are situations where you should discuss alternatives with your doctor:

• Previous allergic reactions to bacitracin or polymyxin B
• Current kidney disease or kidney function problems
• Viral or fungal eye infections (this medication won't help)
• Perforated eardrum if medication might drain into ear canal
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (discuss risks and benefits)
• Use of other eye medications that might interact

Your doctor will weigh the benefits against potential risks and may recommend monitoring or alternative treatments if you have any of these conditions.

Children can usually use this medication safely, but the dosage might be adjusted based on their age and weight. Always follow your pediatrician's specific instructions for children.

Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Ophthalmic Brand Names

This combination medication is available under several brand names, with Polysporin being one of the most recognizable. However, the prescription eye formulation is different from over-the-counter skin products with similar names.

Common brand names include AK-Poly-Bac, Polysporin Ophthalmic, and various generic versions. All contain the same active ingredients but may have slightly different inactive ingredients or concentrations.

Your pharmacy might substitute a generic version unless your doctor specifically requests the brand name. Generic versions work just as well as brand names and often cost less. If you have concerns about switching between brands, discuss this with your pharmacist or doctor.

Always check the label to make sure you're using the eye formulation, not a skin cream or ointment with similar ingredients. Eye medications are specially formulated to be safe for use in and around your eyes.

Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Ophthalmic Alternatives

Several alternative medications can treat bacterial eye infections if this combination isn't right for you. Your doctor might recommend different antibiotics based on your specific infection, allergies, or medical history.

Single-ingredient antibiotic eye drops like tobramycin or gentamicin might work well for your infection. These medications use different mechanisms to fight bacteria and might be better if you're allergic to one of the ingredients in the combination.

Other combination antibiotics for eyes include neomycin with polymyxin B, or trimethoprim with polymyxin B. These offer different antibiotic combinations that might be more effective against your specific bacterial infection.

For more serious infections, your doctor might prescribe newer fluoroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin eye drops. These tend to be more expensive but can be more effective against resistant bacteria.

Your doctor will choose the best alternative based on culture results if available, your allergy history, and the severity of your infection.

Is Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Ophthalmic Better Than Neomycin and Polymyxin B?

Both combinations are effective for treating bacterial eye infections, but they each have advantages in different situations. The choice between them often depends on your specific infection and any allergies you might have.

Bacitracin and polymyxin B combination tends to cause fewer allergic reactions than neomycin-containing products. Neomycin is more likely to cause contact dermatitis or allergic reactions, especially with repeated use over time.

However, neomycin and polymyxin B might be more effective against certain types of bacteria. Neomycin has a broader spectrum of activity against gram-negative bacteria, which could make it a better choice for some infections.

Your doctor will consider your medical history, previous reactions to antibiotics, and the specific bacteria causing your infection when choosing between these options. Neither is universally better than the other.

If you've used one combination successfully in the past without side effects, your doctor might prescribe the same one again. If you've had allergic reactions to neomycin, the bacitracin combination would be the safer choice.