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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
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References
- Summary of Product Characteristics, Polyfax® Opthalmic Ointment, Pliva Pharma Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised March 2005, accessed November 2007.
- British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
| © EMIS 2007 | DocID: 3647 |
DocRef: dils3346 |
Last Updated: 5 Dec 2007 |
Date of Next Review: 4 Dec 2009 |
Version: 22 |
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