What is Polytrim: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Polytrim overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • AK-Poly-Bac, Neo-Polycin, Neosporin, Polycin, Polytrim, Triple Antibiotic, Triple Antibiotic, Polytrim

Generic Names:

  • Polymyxin B-Trimethoprim

Uses:

  • Treats eye infections and swelling. Contains an antibiotic medicine and may sometimes contain a corticosteroid., Treats eye infections.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic, Antibiotic Combination, Antibiotic Combination

Forms:

  • Ointment, Liquid, Drop, Liquid, Drop

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye, Into the eye

What is Polytrim used for?

Polymyxin B-Trimethoprim comes in liquid eye drop form and is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria. Polymyxin B and trimethoprim are antibiotics that fight bacteria in the body. Common side effects may include mild burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes. Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses.

What form(s) does Polytrim come in

  • Ointment

  • Liquid

  • Drop

  • Liquid

  • Drop

What are common Polytrim doses?

  • Bottle 10ML of 10000-0.1UNIT/ML-%

Common Polytrim prescriptions

  • Polytrim
    10ml of 10000-0.1unit/ml-% bottle

How to take Polytrim

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeShake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine. You may insert them again after 15 minutes.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Ophthalmic routeShake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine. You may insert them again after 15 minutes.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.

  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • To use the ointment:Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.

  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

  • To use the ointment:Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Polytrim

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Polytrim contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to polymyxin B or trimethoprim.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to certain antibiotics. Make sure your doctor knows about all medicines you are allergic to, especially polymyxin B, gramicidin, neomycin, bacitracin, oxytertracycline, Neosporin®, Neocidin®, or Polysporin®.

Polytrim warnings

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Ophthalmic routeIf you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney problems.

  • If your condition does not get better, or gets worse, while you are using this medicine, call your doctor.

Polytrim interactions

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine or drops in your eyes.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney problems.

  • If your condition does not get better, or gets worse, while you are using this medicine, call your doctor.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses. You may not be able to wear them while your infection is being treated.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Polytrim side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe eye itching, swelling, or redness

  • Increased redness, burning, or pain in your eye

  • Swelling of your eyelid

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild irritation in your eye when you use the drops

  • Eye irritiation when the drops are put in

  • Watery eyes

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