This medication is used to treat eye infections. This
product contains bacitracin and polymyxin, antibiotics that work by
stopping the growth of bacteria.
This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It
will not work for other types of eye infections (such as infections caused
by viruses, fungi, mycobacteria). Unnecessary use or misuse of any
antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually every 3 to 4 hours. The dosage is based on your
medical condition and response to treatment.
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this
medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions,
and check with your doctor before you begin using them
again.
To apply the eye ointment, wash your hands first. To
avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the tube tip or let it touch
your eye or any other surface. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull
down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place a 1/2 inch (1.5 centimeters)
strip of ointment into the pouch by squeezing the tube gently. Close the
eye and roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication. Try
not to blink and do not rub the eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye
if so directed. Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue to
remove extra medication before recapping it.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), apply the eye drops first and wait at least 5 minutes
before applying this eye ointment. Use eye drops before eye ointments to
allow the eye drops to enter the eye. If you are using another type of eye
ointment, wait at least 10 minutes after using this medication before
applying it.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if
symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may
result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
in a few days or if you develop new or worsening eye symptoms (such as
discharge, swelling, redness, pain).
Stinging/burning of the eyes for 1 to 2 minutes or
temporary blurred vision may occur when this medication is applied. If any
of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the
face/tongue/throat/eye/eyelid)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to bacitracin or polymyxin; or if you have
any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which
can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history.
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
clear vision until you can do it safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Throw away the unused medication after treatment is
completed. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor
tells you to.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.