Drug Class: Topical Antibiotic Combination | Form: Eye Ointment | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx)
What Is Polyfax Eye Ointment?
Polyfax Eye Ointment (6g) is a prescription-only topical antibiotic combination used to treat bacterial infections of the eye. It contains two complementary antibiotics — Polymyxin B Sulfate 10,000 IU/g and Bacitracin Zinc 500 IU/g — that work through two entirely different mechanisms to kill bacteria, making the combination broadly effective against a wide range of bacteria responsible for common eye infections.
As an ointment rather than eye drops, Polyfax provides prolonged contact time with the eye surface — staying in place longer than liquid drops and delivering sustained antibiotic action throughout the day and overnight. It is particularly well suited for nighttime use or for conditions requiring extended antibiotic coverage on the ocular surface.
Polyfax must only be used under medical supervision with a valid prescription and confirmed bacterial diagnosis.
What Is Polyfax Eye Ointment Used For?
Polyfax Eye Ointment is prescribed for the treatment of:
- Bacterial conjunctivitis (آنکھ آنا) — bacterial infection of the conjunctiva causing redness, discharge, and eye irritation
- Styes (انجنی) — infected sebaceous glands at the eyelid margin caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria
- Blepharitis — bacterial infection and inflammation of the eyelid edges causing crusting, soreness, and redness
- Bacterial keratitis — bacterial infection of the cornea requiring prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent vision damage
- Infected corneal abrasions — prevention and treatment of bacterial infection in corneal wounds or scratches
- Post-operative prophylaxis — prevention of bacterial infection following minor eye surgical procedures, under surgeon's guidance
Polyfax is effective only against bacterial infections. It will not treat viral conjunctivitis, fungal eye infections, or allergic eye conditions.
How Does Polyfax Eye Ointment Work?
The clinical strength of Polyfax lies in its dual antibiotic mechanism — two antibiotics attacking bacteria through completely separate pathways simultaneously:
Polymyxin B Sulfate 10,000 IU/g — Cell Membrane Disruptor: Polymyxin B is a polypeptide antibiotic that works by binding directly to the outer cell membrane of gram-negative bacteria. It disrupts the structural integrity of the bacterial cell membrane — causing it to leak and break apart, which rapidly kills the bacteria. Polymyxin B is particularly effective against gram-negative organisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae — bacteria commonly responsible for eye infections that can be resistant to other antibiotics.
Bacitracin Zinc 500 IU/g — Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitor: Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic that works by blocking the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall — the structural layer bacteria need to maintain their shape and survive. Without a functioning cell wall, bacteria cannot grow, divide, or sustain themselves and die. Bacitracin is primarily effective against gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species — the most common cause of styes and bacterial blepharitis.
Combined Effect: By targeting gram-negative bacteria through membrane disruption and gram-positive bacteria through cell wall inhibition simultaneously, Polyfax achieves broad-spectrum antibacterial coverage that neither ingredient could provide alone — effectively treating mixed bacterial infections and covering the full range of bacteria most commonly responsible for eye infections.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Use exactly as prescribed. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve early. Never share eye ointment with another person. Ointment will cause temporary blurring of vision after application — do not drive immediately after use.
| Indication | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial conjunctivitis | Small ribbon (approx. 1cm) | 3 – 4 times daily |
| Stye or blepharitis | Small ribbon to eyelid margin | 2 – 3 times daily |
| Bacterial keratitis | As directed by eye specialist | As prescribed |
| Post-operative prophylaxis | As directed by surgeon | As prescribed |
How to Apply:
- Wash hands thoroughly before use
- Tilt head back and look upward
- Gently pull the lower eyelid down to form a small pocket
- Squeeze a small ribbon of ointment (approximately 1cm) into the pocket — do not let the tube tip touch the eye or eyelid
- Close the eye gently and roll it around to distribute the ointment evenly
- Blot away any excess ointment from around the eye with a clean tissue
- Replace the cap firmly immediately after use
- Expect temporary blurring of vision for a few minutes after application — this is normal
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Polymyxin B Sulfate | 10,000 IU/g | Disrupts bacterial cell membrane — kills gram-negative bacteria |
| Bacitracin Zinc | 500 IU/g | Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis — kills gram-positive bacteria |
Who Should NOT Use Polyfax Eye Ointment?
Do not use Polyfax if you:
- Are allergic to Polymyxin B, Bacitracin, or any ingredient in this product
- Have a known or suspected viral eye infection — including herpes simplex keratitis — antibiotic ointment will not treat viral infection and may mask worsening symptoms
- Have a fungal eye infection — antibiotics do not treat fungal infections
- Are wearing soft contact lenses during treatment — remove lenses before application
Always consult your doctor before use if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are using any other eye medications — allow at least 5 minutes between products and apply Polyfax last as an ointment
- Have a history of hypersensitivity to polypeptide antibiotics
Side Effects
Common (mild and temporary):
- Temporary blurring of vision immediately after application — normal with any eye ointment, clears within minutes
- Mild stinging or burning sensation on application
- Temporary sensation of something in the eye as ointment spreads
Serious — Stop Use and Seek Medical Attention Immediately:
- Severe eye pain or significantly worsening redness after starting treatment
- Signs of allergic reaction — swelling of eyelids, face, or lips, widespread rash, difficulty breathing (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Worsening discharge or symptoms despite 48 hours of treatment — may indicate a resistant organism, viral infection, or incorrect diagnosis requiring reassessment
- Corneal changes — increased light sensitivity, halos, or vision changes beyond temporary post-application blurring
If symptoms do not begin to improve within 48 hours of starting Polyfax, return to your doctor for reassessment.
Drug Interactions
| Medicine / Product | Possible Interaction |
|---|---|
| Other eye drops | Apply eye drops first — wait 5 to 10 minutes before applying Polyfax ointment last |
| Soft contact lenses | Do not wear during treatment — remove before application |
| Other topical antibiotics | Avoid combining multiple topical antibiotic products without doctor's guidance |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Do not refrigerate
- Keep tube tightly capped after every use
- Discard 4 weeks after first opening
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after the expiry date on the tube or carton
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Polyfax cause blurry vision after application — is this harmful?
Temporary blurring after applying any eye ointment is completely normal and expected. Ointments are thicker than eye drops and create a film over the eye surface that temporarily affects clarity of vision. This clears naturally within a few minutes as the ointment spreads and warms to body temperature. Because of this, many patients prefer to apply Polyfax at bedtime so the blurring occurs during sleep. It is not harmful and does not indicate any problem with the ointment or the eye.
Do I need to complete the full course even if my eye looks better?
Yes — always complete the full prescribed course of Polyfax even if symptoms resolve before the course ends. Stopping antibiotic treatment early leaves surviving bacteria in the eye that can regrow, cause a relapse of infection, and potentially develop resistance to the antibiotic. Symptom improvement does not mean the infection is fully eliminated — your doctor prescribed a specific course length for a reason.
Can I use Polyfax for a red eye without seeing a doctor first?
No — Polyfax is a prescription-only antibiotic and should never be self-prescribed for red or uncomfortable eyes. Red eyes have many causes — viral infection, allergy, dry eye, or inflammation — most of which will not respond to antibiotics and some of which can be made worse by incorrect treatment. A doctor must confirm a bacterial infection before Polyfax is appropriate.
Can Polyfax be used in children?
Polyfax can be used in children when prescribed by a doctor. Application in young children requires an extra careful technique to avoid the tube touching the eye. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for dosing and frequency in children.
Can I use Polyfax and eye drops at the same time?
Yes — if your doctor has prescribed both eye drops and Polyfax ointment, always apply the eye drops first and wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying the ointment. Ointments create a barrier on the eye surface that can prevent subsequently applied drops from being properly absorbed. Polyfax should always be applied last among multiple eye medications.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This product description is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Polyfax is a prescription medication — always use under the supervision of a qualified doctor or eye specialist. If eye symptoms worsen at any point during treatment or do not improve within 48 hours, consult your doctor immediately.
Prescription Required (Rx) | Complete Full Course | Discard 4 Weeks After Opening | Temporary Blurring Normal After Application