What is Polycin?
Bacitracin and polymyxin B are antibiotics that kill bacteria. The eye medicine polycin (for eyelids) is a mixture of medicine that treats eye infections caused by bacteria or the eyelids. Polycin is also used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Polycin
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Polycin can cause severe adverse consequences. Do not use polycin, and consult your physician immediately if you experience:
- Intense itching, redness, or eyelid swelling;
- Eyes, pain in the eye, or watery eyes;
- Vision changes, greater sensitivities to light
- White patches that appear on your eyes
- Eyes; or drainage from your eyes
- Any new indications of the infection.
Common polycin-related side effects could include:
- Moderate eyes mild eye redness or itching
- Puffy eyes.
This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Don't use this medication when you are suffering from an infection that is viral or fungal in your eye. Polycin only treats infections due to bacteria.
Prior to use this drug
It is not recommended to take polycin if you have an allergy to bacitracin or polymyxin. Avoid using polycin in the event of an infection caused by fungal or viral causes inside your eye. It treats only eye infections due to bacteria. It is not recommended to make use of polycin 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 isn't known if this medicine could affect a newborn baby. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.
It isn't known if bacitracin and polymyxin B are absorbed into breast milk or if they can affect nursing infants. Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding. Polycin isn't approved to be used by anyone younger than 18 years of age.
How to take Polycin?
Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take this medication in smaller or larger quantities or for longer periods than prescribed. Wash your hands after applying eye medications. Apply the ointment.
- Turn your head slightly back and then pull your lower eyelids to create small pockets. Keep the tube of ointment with the tip pointed towards the pocket. Turn your attention upwards, away from the point.
- Inject a thin ribbon of ointment in the lower eyelid's pocket, avoiding touching the edge of the tube towards your eye. Make sure you blink your eyes lightly and close them for a couple of minutes.
- Utilize a tissue to clean the excess ointment off your eyelashes.
- When you open your eyes, you could experience blurred vision for a short period of time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Don't touch the tip of the tube with ointment or put the tube directly on your eyes. The tube's tip could be contaminated and cause an eye infection, which could cause severe vision issues. The medicine is generally used every 3 or 4 hours, for a maximum of 10 days. Follow the instructions of your physician for dosage with care.
Take this medication for the entire prescribed duration. Your symptoms could worsen until the infection is fully eliminated. In addition, skipping doses could increase the risk of a subsequent infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Consult your doctor if symptoms do not improve or if symptoms become worse. Storage at room temperature is far from heat and moisture. Avoid freezing. Close the tube when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Do the missed dose when you remember. Do not take any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't use any extra medication to replace the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
A dose of polycin isn't expected to pose any danger. Get medical attention immediately, or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222, in the event that someone has swallowed the drug accidentally.
What should be avoided?
Polycin can result in blurred or distorted vision. Be cautious if you drive or do any other activity that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Do not take other eye medications unless your doctor directs you to.
Interaction with other drugs
It's unlikely that other medications you inject or orally can affect polymyxin and bacitracin B that are used to treat eye problems. However, many medications are able to interact with each other. Inform your healthcare professionals about all medications you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
