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Polymyxin and Bacitracin eye ointment

About polymyxin and bacitracin eye ointment

Type of medicine Antibiotic
Used for Treatment of bacterial eye infections, eg conjunctivitis.
Also called Polyfax
Available as Eye ointment

Polymyxin and Bacitracin eye ointment works by destroying bacteria.

Before using polymyxin and bacitracin eye ointment

Before using polymyxin and bacitracin eye ointment make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you wear contact lenses.

How to use polymyxin and bacitracin eye ointment

  • Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor.
  • Continue treatment until at least two days after the eye has recovered.
  • General instructions for applying eye ointment are as follows:
  • Wash your hands well before use.
  • Remove the outer cap of the container.
  • Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
  • Hold the container between the thumb and the middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye.
  • Apply enough pressure to the container to release a thin line of ointment along the inside of the lower lid.
  • Blink to spread the ointment around the inside of the eye.
  • Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use this preparation in both eyes.
  • Replace the outer cap on the container, try not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so.
  • Wash your hands.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.
  • It may be wise to avoid wearing any contact lenses until your eye(s) have fully recovered.
  • Discard this preparation four weeks after opening.

Can polymyxin and bacitracin eye ointment cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Although side effects with this ointment are rare, if you notice any effects which you think may be related to this ointment, speak to your doctor at your earliest convenience.

How to store polymyxin and bacitracin eye ointment

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3647
DocRef:
dils3346
Last Updated:
5 Dec 2007
Date of Next Review:
4 Dec 2009
Version:
22
















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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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