What is AK-Poly-Bac (Bacitracin Polymyxin B Ophthalmic)?
Bacitracin and polymyxin B are antibiotics that kill bacteria.
Bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
Bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about AK-Poly-Bac (Bacitracin Polymyxin B Ophthalmic)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bacitracin or polymyxin B.
Do not allow the tip of the ointment tube to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the tip becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. Do not share the ointment with another person.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if your infection gets worse while using this medication.
If you use this medication long-term, you may need frequent eye exams to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
Bacitracin and polymyxin B should not be used on a child.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking AK-Poly-Bac (Bacitracin Polymyxin B Ophthalmic)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bacitracin or polymyxin B.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Bacitracin and polymyxin B should not be used on a child.
AK-Poly-Bac Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of AK-Poly-Bac (Bacitracin Polymyxin B Ophthalmic)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- severe itching, redness, or swelling of your eyelids
- eye pain, redness, or watering
- vision changes, increased sensitivity to light
- white patches on your eyes
- crusting or drainage from your eyes; or
- any new signs of infection
Less serious side effects may include temporary blurred vision and mild eye irritation after using the ointment.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
AK-Poly-Bac Interactions
What other drugs affect AK-Poly-Bac (Bacitracin Polymyxin B Ophthalmic)?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking AK-Poly-Bac (Bacitracin Polymyxin B Ophthalmic)?
Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.
Bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic can cause temporary blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
AK-Poly-Bac Dosage
How should I take AK-Poly-Bac (Bacitracin Polymyxin B Ophthalmic)?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment.
To use the ointment:
- You may warm the ointment by holding the medicine tube in your hand for a few minutes before use. Do not remove the cap from the tube until you are ready to apply the ointment
- Tilt your head back slightly, and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid
- Close your eye and roll your eyeball around for 1 to 2 minutes
Do not allow the tip of the ointment tube to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the tip becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. Do not share the ointment with another person.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if your infection gets worse while using this medication.
If you use this medication long-term, you may need frequent eye exams to make sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
Store bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly capped when not in use.
What happens if I overdose on AK-Poly-Bac (Bacitracin Polymyxin B Ophthalmic)?
An overdose of bacitracin and polymyxin B ophthalmic is not likely to occur.
What happens if I miss a dose of AK-Poly-Bac (Bacitracin Polymyxin B Ophthalmic)?
Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com