From the Guidelines
Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate and trimethoprim) eye drops should be administered 4 times a day.
Dosing and Regimen
- The dosing frequency of Polytrim eye drops is crucial in treating bacterial keratitis, especially in the presence of virulent or indolent organisms or for immunocompromised patients 1.
- Most antibiotic eye drops, including Polytrim, should not be tapered below 3 to 4 times a day because low doses are subtherapeutic and may increase the risk of developing antibiotic resistance 1.
- The specific dosage of Polytrim is not mentioned in the provided evidence, but the general guideline for antibiotic eye drops applies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an adequate dosing frequency to ensure therapeutic efficacy and minimize the risk of resistance.
- It is essential to follow the recommended dosing regimen to effectively treat bacterial keratitis and prevent complications, as outlined in the bacterial keratitis preferred practice pattern 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults: In mild to moderate infections, instill one drop in the affected eye(s) every three hours (maximum of 6 doses per day) for a period of 7 to 10 days. Pediatric Use: Clinical studies have shown Trimethoprim and Polymyxin B Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution to be safe and effective for use in pediatric patients over two months of age. The dosage regimen is the same as for adults. The dosing and regimen for Polytrim (polymyxin B sulfate and trimethoprim) eye drops is:
- One drop in the affected eye(s)
- Every three hours
- Maximum of 6 doses per day
- For a period of 7 to 10 days
- The same regimen is used for adults and pediatric patients over two months of age 2
From the Research
Dosing and Regimen for Polytrim (Polymyxin B Sulfate and Trimethoprim) Eye Drops
- The dosing and regimen for Polytrim eye drops can be inferred from the studies as one drop, four times daily for 7 days 3.
- Another study used a similar regimen, with patients receiving one drop of polymyxin/trimethoprim four times daily for 7 days 3.
- However, the exact dosing and regimen may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication.
Clinical Efficacy
- The combination of trimethoprim and polymyxin B has been shown to be effective in treating ocular surface bacterial infections, including conjunctivitis and blepharitis 4, 5, 6.
- One study found that moxifloxacin was more effective and faster-acting than polymyxin/trimethoprim in treating bacterial conjunctivitis 3.
- Another study found that trimethoprim-polymyxin B was superior to trimethoprim-sulfacetamide-polymyxin B in effecting bacteriologic cures 6.