Optimyxin (Gramicidin/Polymyxin B Sulfate) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat bacterial infections in the eye, also known as pink eye or conjunctivitis. Pink eye is present with symptoms such as swelling of the eyelids, watery eyes, and a feeling of having sand in the eye. The drug is also used to treat bacterial infections in the ear, like swimmer’s ear. The active ingredients in Optimyxin are Gramicidin and Polymyxin B Sulfate. Gramicidin and Polymyxin B Sulfate belong to a class of drugs called polypeptide antibiotics. They work by killing the bacteria causing the infection.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Optimyxin from Canada manufactured by Aurium in the strength of 0.025 mcg/10000 unit/ 1 ml eye drops and 0.025 mcg/10000 unit/ 1 ml ear drops. The generic Gramicidin/Polymyxin B Sulfate is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Optimyxin. The most common side effects of Optimyxin may include the following:
• Blurred vision;
• Eye redness;
• Irritation at the application site
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Severe ear or eye pain;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Worsening eye or ear infection
These are not all of the side effects of Optimyxin. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Optimyxin if you are allergic to Gramicidin, Polymyxin B Sulfate, or any ingredient in Optimyxin. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have fever;
• Have glaucoma;
• Have hearing loss;
• Wear contact lenses
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Optimyxin and other medicines. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if Optimyxin will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Gramicidin or Polymyxin B Sulfate passes into breast milk or if they may harm your nursing infant. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Misuse or overuse of Optimyxin could lead to the growth of bacteria that Optimyxin may not kill. Optimyxin is an eye and ear drop. Please do not take it by mouth. Do not let the tip of the applicator touch your fingers, ear, or eyes to prevent contamination. Close the container after each use. If you use the eye drops, instill one or two drops in the affected eye two to four times a day for 7 to 10 days. If you use the ear drops, instill one or two drops in the affected ear two to four times a day for 5 to 7 days. Avoid getting water into your ears until your treatment is complete. You should see an improvement within one or two days. However, complete your dose to ensure that the infection is completely cured. Your vision may be blurred for a few minutes after using this drug. Do not drive or operate machinery until you can see clearly. If there is no improvement in your condition within two days, contact your doctor immediately. Store this drug between 15 and 300C. Discard within 30 days from opening.