What is AK-Poly-Bac?
Bacitracin, as well as polymyxin B, are antibiotics that kill bacteria.
The AK-Poly-Bac (for eyelids) is a mixture medicine that treats eye infections caused by bacteria or the eyelids. The AK-Poly-Bac can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of AK-PolyBac
See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that are warning signs of a reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat.
Adverse Effects
Consult your physician immediately if you experience:
- Extreme itching, redness, or swelling of your eyelids.
- Eye pain, redness, or watery eyes;
- Vision changes increase the sensitivity to light.
- White patches that appear on your eyes
- The appearance of a crust or drainage from your eyes.
- Any new indications of the infection.
Common negative effects of AK Poly-Bac include:
- Mild eye irritation or itching.
- Puffy eyes.
This is not a complete list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Use this medicine only in the event of an infection caused by a virus or fungus in your eye. AK-PolyBac is only used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Before You Take This Drug
It is not recommended to use AK-PolyBac if you have an allergy to polymyxin B or bacitracin.
Do not take AK-Poly-Bac in the event of an infection that is fungal or viral within your eyes. The medicine is only used to treat infections due to bacteria. It is not recommended to use AK-Poly-Bac in the treatment of any eye problem that hasn't been examined by your physician.
To ensure this medication is safe for you, talk to your physician about all of your medical issues or allergies. It is unclear if this medicine could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant. It isn't known if polymyxin B and bacitracin are passed into breast milk or if they affect the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
AK-Poly-Bac is not allowed to be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to Take AK-Poly-Bac?
Follow the instructions on your prescription. Don't use this medication in greater or lesser quantities or for longer periods than prescribed. Cleanse your hands prior to using eye drops.
Apply the ointment.
- Adjust your head a bit and then lower the lower part of your eyelid, creating small pockets. Take hold of the ointment tube, keeping the tip facing towards the pocket. Turn your attention upwards, to the side, away from the point.
- Make a small swath of ointment into your lower eyelid's pocket, avoiding touching the end of the tube towards your eye. Close your eyes and keep them closed for few minutes.
- Utilize a tissue to clean the excess ointment off your eyelashes.
- When you open your eyes, you might be able to see blurred vision for a brief period. Avoid driving or doing anything else that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Do not touch the edge of the tube ointment or put it directly in your eye. A tube tip that is contaminated could cause an eye infection, which could result in serious vision problems.
The medication is typically applied every 3 to 4 hours for a period of up to 10 days. Follow the instructions of your physician for dosage with care.
Take this medication for the entire prescribed duration. The symptoms could improve before the infection is completely gone. In addition, skipping doses could increase the risk of a subsequent infection that is resistant to antibiotics.
Consult your physician if symptoms don't improve or if they become worse. Storage at room temperature, far from heat and moisture. Avoid freezing. Close the tube when not in use.
What Happens if I Miss a Dose?
Take the dose you missed right after you remember. Don't miss your missed dosage if you are nearing the time for the next dose. Don't use any extra medication to replace the missed dose.
What Happens If I Overdose?
A dose of AK-Poly-Bac isn't expected to be dangerous. Get medical attention immediately or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if you have accidentally swallowed the medicine.
What Should Be Avoided?
AK-Poly-Bac could create blurred or distorted vision. Be cautious if you drive or engage in activities that require clear vision. Do not take any other eye medications unless your physician advises you to.
Interaction With Other Drugs
It's unlikely that other medications that you inject or take orally can affect bacitracin or polymyxin B, which are found to treat eye problems. However, many medicines are able to interact with each other. Be sure to inform your health care providers about the medications you are taking, which include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
