polymyxin B/bacitracin ophthalmic (Ak-Poly-Bac, Polysporin Ophthalmic, Polycin)
Classes: Antibiotics, Ophthalmic Combos
Dosing and uses of Ak-Poly-Bac, Polysporin Ophthalmic (polymyxin-B-bacitracin-ophthalmic)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
polymyxin B / bacitracin ophthalmic
ointment
- (polymyxin B 10,000units/bacitracin 500units)/g
Ophthalmic Infection
Often used in blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and post-operative prophylaxis
Apply thin 1/2 thin ribbon of ointment to conjunctival sac q3-4hr for 7-10 days
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
polymyxin B / bacitracin ophthalmic
ointment
- (polymyxin B 10,000units/bacitracin 500units)/g
Ophthalmic Infection
Often used in blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and post-operative prophylaxis
Apply thin 1/2 thin ribbon of ointment to conjunctival sac q3-4hr for 7-10 days
Ak-Poly-Bac, Polysporin Ophthalmic (polymyxin-B-bacitracin-ophthalmic) adverse (side) effects
<1%
Allergic contact dermatitis
Conjunctival erythema
Swelling
Itching
Burning
Warnings
Contraindications
Minor ocular irritation; hypersensitivity to polymixin or product components
Cautions
Ointment may blur vision
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in breast milk unknown; use caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Ak-Poly-Bac, Polysporin Ophthalmic (polymyxin-B-bacitracin-ophthalmic)
Mechanism of action
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by preventing the incorporation of amino acids and nucleotides into the cell walL