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Polymyxin B/Bacitracin

    DEA Class; Rx

    Common Brand Names; Ak-Poly-Bac, Polysporin Ophthalmic, Polycin

    • Antibiotics, Ophthalmic Combos

    polymyxin B/bacitracin topical (OTC)

    Brand and Other Names: Double Antibiotic Ointment, Polysporin
    • Classes: Antibacterials, Topical

    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.

    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

    Minor ocular irritation; hypersensitivity to polymixin or product components

    Hypersensitivity

    Not for ophthalmic use or over large areas of body

    Allergic contact dermatitis

    Conjunctival erythema

    Swelling

    Itching

    Burning

    Allergic contact dermatitis

    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

    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

    Adults

    8 applications/day for up to 10 days for ophthalmic ointment; 3 applications/day for up to 7 days topically.

    Elderly

    8 applications/day for up to 10 days for ophthalmic ointment; 3 applications/day for up to 7 days topically.

    Adolescents

    Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Children

    Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Infants

    Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Polymyxin B / bacitracin ophthalmic

    ointment

    • (polymyxin B 10,000units/bacitracin 500units)/g

    Polymyxin B/bacitracin topical

    topical ointment, cream

    • (10,000unit/500unit)/g