Polycin Drug Information
Generic name: BACITRACIN ZINC AND POLYMYXIN B SULFATES
Uses of Polycin
USAGE: Polycin® Ophthalmic Ointment is indicated for the topical treatment of superficial infections of the external eye and its adnexa caused by susceptible bacteria. Such infections encompass conjunctivitis, keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis, blepharitis and blepharoconjunctivitis.
Dosage & Administration of Polycin
ADMINISTRATION: May be applied every 3 or 4 hours for 7 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the infection.
Side Effects of Polycin
REACTIONS: Adverse reactions have occurred with the anti-infective components Bacitracin Zinc and Polymyxin B Sulfate Ophthalmic Ointment. The exact incidence is not known. Reactions occurring most often are allergic sensitization reactions including itching, swelling, and conjunctival erythema (see WARNINGS ). More serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported rarely.
Local irritation on instillation has also been reported. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Perrigo at 1-866-634-9120 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Warnings & Cautions for Polycin
: NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE. Bacitracin Zinc and Polymyxin B Sulfate Ophthalmic Ointment should never be directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye. Ophthalmic ointments may retard corneal wound healing. Topical antibiotics may cause cutaneous sensitization.
A precise incidence of hypersensitivity reactions (primarily skin rash) due to topical antibiotics is not known. The manifestations of sensitization to topical antibiotics are usually itching, reddening, and edema of the conjunctiva and eyelid. A sensitization reaction may manifest simply, as a failure to heal.
During long-term use of topical antibiotic products, periodic examination for such signs is advisable, and the patient should be told to discontinue the product if they are observed. Symptoms usually subside quickly on withdrawing the medication. Application of products containing these ingredients should be avoided for the patient thereafter (see PRECAUTIONS: General ).
Pregnancy Safety for Polycin
- Pregnancy: Teratorgenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with polymyxin B sulfate or bacitracin. It is also not known whether Bacitracin Zinc and Polymyxin B Sulfate Ophthalmic Ointment can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Bacitracin Zinc and Polymyxin B Sulfate Ophthalmic Ointment should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Pediatric Use of Polycin
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Contraindications for Polycin
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Polycin® Ophthalmic Ointment is contraindicated in individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.
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