Polysporin Ophthalmic Oint 3.5gm
It is used to treat eye infections.
Drug Class
Ophthalmic Antibiotic
Pharmacologic Class
Polypeptide Antibiotics
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Polysporin Ophthalmic Ointment is an antibiotic eye ointment used to treat bacterial infections of the eye. It contains two different antibiotics, bacitracin and polymyxin B, which work together to kill a wide range of bacteria.
How to Use This Medicine
Proper Use of This Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Use the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve.
Administration Instructions
1. Wash your hands before and after using the medication to prevent contamination.
2. For ophthalmic use only. Avoid touching the container tip to your eye, eyelid, or surrounding skin, as this can introduce bacteria and lead to severe eye problems or vision loss.
3. To apply the ointment:
- Pull down the lower eyelid of the affected eye(s).
- Place a thin film of ointment into the lower eye.
- Close your eye and gently roll your eyeball around for 1 to 2 minutes.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature, keeping it and all other medications in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposal, consult your pharmacist, who can also inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area.
Missed Dose Instructions
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not use two doses at once or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Use the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve.
Administration Instructions
1. Wash your hands before and after using the medication to prevent contamination.
2. For ophthalmic use only. Avoid touching the container tip to your eye, eyelid, or surrounding skin, as this can introduce bacteria and lead to severe eye problems or vision loss.
3. To apply the ointment:
- Pull down the lower eyelid of the affected eye(s).
- Place a thin film of ointment into the lower eye.
- Close your eye and gently roll your eyeball around for 1 to 2 minutes.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature, keeping it and all other medications in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposal, consult your pharmacist, who can also inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area.
Missed Dose Instructions
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not use two doses at once or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after applying the ointment.
- Do not touch the tip of the ointment tube to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
- Do not wear contact lenses during treatment for an eye infection.
- Avoid sharing eye medications with others.
- Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply a small amount (approximately 1/2 inch ribbon) into the conjunctival sac 3 to 4 times daily.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
bacterialConjunctivitis:
Apply 1/2 inch ribbon into the conjunctival sac 3 to 4 times daily for 7-10 days.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (use with caution, consult pediatrician)
Infant:
Not established (use with caution, consult pediatrician)
Child:
Apply a small amount (approximately 1/2 inch ribbon) into the conjunctival sac 3 to 4 times daily (off-label, based on clinical judgment)
Adolescent:
Apply a small amount (approximately 1/2 inch ribbon) into the conjunctival sac 3 to 4 times daily
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Dialysis:
No specific considerations (minimal systemic absorption)
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Bacitracin: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by interfering with the dephosphorylation of the lipid carrier that transports peptidoglycan precursors across the bacterial cell membrane. Primarily active against Gram-positive bacteria. Polymyxin B: A cationic detergent that binds to and disrupts the integrity of the bacterial outer and inner cell membranes, leading to leakage of intracellular components and cell death. Primarily active against Gram-negative bacteria.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Minimal systemic absorption
Tmax:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
CnssPenetration:
Limited (minimal systemic absorption)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Clearance:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
ExcretionRoute:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Unchanged:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within hours (antibacterial effect), clinical improvement within days
PeakEffect:
Not precisely defined for topical ophthalmic use
DurationOfAction:
Several hours (requires frequent application)
Confidence:
Medium
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Changes in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for advice:
* Eye irritation
Important Note
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Changes in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for advice:
* Eye irritation
Important Note
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Increased eye redness or irritation
- Worsening eye pain or discomfort
- Increased discharge from the eye
- Swelling of the eyelids or around the eye
- Rash or itching around the eye
- Any signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., severe itching, swelling, difficulty breathing - seek immediate medical attention)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. When taking this drug, exercise caution when driving or performing tasks that require clear vision, as it may affect your eyesight. If you are using this medication for an extended period, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your doctor to monitor any potential changes in your vision. Do not exceed the recommended duration of treatment, as this may increase the risk of a secondary infection. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Unlikely with ophthalmic use due to minimal systemic absorption. Local irritation may occur with excessive application.
What to Do:
If excessive amount is applied, wipe away excess. If ingested, unlikely to cause systemic toxicity due to poor absorption. For any concerns, call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Ocular examination (redness, discharge, swelling)
Rationale: To assess the severity and nature of the infection before treatment initiation.
Timing: Prior to first dose
Routine Monitoring
Clinical response (reduction in symptoms, signs of infection)
Frequency: Daily
Target: Improvement in redness, discharge, discomfort
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms after 2-3 days, or signs of allergic reaction
Signs of local irritation or allergic reaction
Frequency: Daily
Target: Absence of increased redness, itching, swelling, or rash around the eye
Action Threshold: Any new or worsening irritation, itching, or swelling
Symptom Monitoring
- Reduction in eye redness
- Decrease in eye discharge
- Alleviation of eye discomfort or pain
- Absence of itching or burning sensation
- Resolution of swelling around the eye
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should be considered only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Systemic absorption is minimal, reducing risk.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk due to minimal systemic absorption, but use only if clearly needed.
Second Trimester:
Low risk due to minimal systemic absorption.
Third Trimester:
Low risk due to minimal systemic absorption.
Lactation
Considered low risk during breastfeeding due to minimal systemic absorption of the active ingredients. It is unlikely to be excreted in breast milk in clinically significant amounts.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Generally considered safe for use in pediatric patients, though specific dosing for very young infants may not be formally established. Use under medical supervision.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments or precautions are generally required for geriatric patients. Systemic absorption is minimal.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Instruct patients on proper ophthalmic ointment application technique to ensure efficacy and prevent contamination.
- Advise patients that temporary blurred vision may occur immediately after application due to the ointment base.
- Emphasize the importance of completing the full prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent relapse and development of antibiotic resistance.
- Remind patients not to share eye medications to prevent cross-contamination and spread of infection.
- If contact lenses are worn, advise patients to remove them before application and not to reinsert them until the infection has cleared and treatment is complete.
Alternative Therapies
- Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment
- Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution/Ointment
- Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution/Ointment
- Ofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution
- Moxifloxacin Ophthalmic Solution
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Check current market price per 3.5gm tube
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or 2 (often covered by most insurance plans)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to ensure you receive the best possible care.