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Optimyxin Information

Optimyxin (Gramicidin/Polymyxin B Sulfate) is used to treat eye and ear bacterial infections. Bacterial eye infections include conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and keratitis. Bacterial ear infections include bacterial otitis externa (swimmer’s ear). Optimyxin can also be used before and after eye surgery or to remove foreign bodies to prevent infection. Peptide antibiotics like Gramicidin work by killing gram-positive bacteria. Polypeptide antibiotics like Polymyxin B Sulfate work by killing gram-negative bacteria. Together, they provide a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity.

Optimyxin Side Effects

The most common side effects of Optimyxin for the eye may include temporary burning or stinging, temporary blurred vision, watery eyes, and eye redness. The most common side effects of Optimyxin for the ear may include mild itching or irritation, local redness, and temporary stinging or burning. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Severe ear pain;
• Severe eye pain;
• Signs of a worsening infection, such as swelling, redness, pain, and increased discharge;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Optimyxin Precautions

Do not use Optimyxin if you are allergic to Gramicidin, Polymyxin B Sulfate or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have viral or fungal infections, severe eye infection, perforated eardrum, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins, especially other eye or ear drops or ointments you may be using. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Optimyxin. It is unknown if Gramicidin or Polymyxin B Sulfate will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Optimyxin. It is unknown if Gramicidin or Polymyxin B Sulfate passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Do not use this medicine in children without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Optimyxin comes as eye/ear drops. For eye infections, apply in the eyes only. Wash your hands, tilt your head, and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the Optimyxin bottle upside down with the tip pointing towards your eye. Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye, eyelashes, or surface. Instill the drops and close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not squeeze your eyelids tightly or blink excessively. For ear infections, apply in the ears only. Wash your hands, tilt your head to the side, and instill the drops. Avoid letting the dropper tip touch your ear or any other surface to prevent contamination. Gently pull your earlobe upwards and backward to help the drops enter. For children, gently pull their earlobe downwards and backwards. This allows the drops to travel down the ear canal. Do not take Optimyxin by mouth. Finish the entire course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve after a few days. Stopping early can allow the bacteria to survive and the infection to return. Inform your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve. Store Optimyxin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Optimyxin?

No, a prescription is not required from your physician to order Optimyxin.