Polymyxin B + bacitracin
Patient Counselling
Patient Counselling
Bacterial conjunctivitis is a self-limiting condition, which occurs commonly in both children and adults (1, 2) Topical antibiotics are used to reduce the duration of illness and effectively cure the bacterial infection (2, 3). Polymyxin B/bacitracin is a topical antibiotic applied internally to the lower lid of the affected eye(s) using half an inch (1/2”) of ointment four times a day for seven to 10 days [Table 1] (1, 3, 4, 5). The ointment can cause blurred vision or tearing (4).
Bacterial conjunctivitis is a self-limiting condition, which occurs commonly in both children and adults (1, 2) Topical antibiotics are used to reduce the duration of illness and effectively cure the bacterial infection (2, 3). Polymyxin B/bacitracin is a topical antibiotic applied internally to the lower lid of the affected eye(s) using half an inch (1/2”) of ointment four times a day for seven to 10 days [Table 1] (1, 3, 4, 5). The ointment can cause blurred vision or tearing (4).
Bacterial conjunctivitis is a contagious infection, therefore contact restriction (48 to 72 hours) from others and hand hygiene should be encouraged during the course of the infection (1, 2). Patients should wash their hands before and after application to prevent spread of the infection (1). The ointment should be discarded three months after opening or if contaminated during application (2).
If there is no improvement in symptoms (pain, redness, purulent discharge) after 24 to 48 hours or worsening of symptoms, assessment by a physician is warranted (1, 2).
References
1. Friesen AM. Chapter 15: Eye Care – Conjunctivitis. Patient Self Care 2nd ed. Canadian Pharmacist Association. 2010; 121-126.
2. Ang A, Bouchard P, Champagne MC, Hildebrand M, Kim JH, Lampron AM et al. The Practical Guide to Non-prescription Drugs, 2nd Edition. Edipharm, Quebec. 2008: 169-170, 172, 174.
3. Gigliotti F, Hendley JO, Morgan J, Michaels R, Dickens M, Lohr J. Efficacy of Topical Antibiotic Therapy in Acute Conjunctivitis in Children. J Pediatr. 1984; 104: 623-626.
4. Lexicomp Online, Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Lexi-Drugs Online, Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp, Inc.; 2014; http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6410 Accessed 01 March 2014.
5. Anti-infective Review Panel. Anti-infective Guidelines for Community-acquired Infections. Toronto: MUMS Guideline Clearinghouse; 2012: 2-4.
If there is no improvement in symptoms (pain, redness, purulent discharge) after 24 to 48 hours or worsening of symptoms, assessment by a physician is warranted (1, 2).
References
1. Friesen AM. Chapter 15: Eye Care – Conjunctivitis. Patient Self Care 2nd ed. Canadian Pharmacist Association. 2010; 121-126.
2. Ang A, Bouchard P, Champagne MC, Hildebrand M, Kim JH, Lampron AM et al. The Practical Guide to Non-prescription Drugs, 2nd Edition. Edipharm, Quebec. 2008: 169-170, 172, 174.
3. Gigliotti F, Hendley JO, Morgan J, Michaels R, Dickens M, Lohr J. Efficacy of Topical Antibiotic Therapy in Acute Conjunctivitis in Children. J Pediatr. 1984; 104: 623-626.
4. Lexicomp Online, Bacitracin and Polymyxin B Lexi-Drugs Online, Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp, Inc.; 2014; http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6410 Accessed 01 March 2014.
5. Anti-infective Review Panel. Anti-infective Guidelines for Community-acquired Infections. Toronto: MUMS Guideline Clearinghouse; 2012: 2-4.