Category- Allopathy
About Polymyxin B 5000 iu + Chloramphenicol 4 mg + Dexamethasone 1 mg / 5 ml Eye drops
Polymyxin B 5000 IU + Chloramphenicol 4 mg + Dexamethasone 1 mg/5 mL eye drops is a combination medicine used to treat bacterial infections of the eye associated with inflammation. Polymyxin B and chloramphenicol are antibiotics that kill or stop the growth of bacteria, while dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces redness, swelling, irritation, and inflammation.
Common side effects include temporary burning or stinging sensation, blurred vision, eye irritation, redness, itching, and watery eyes.
This medicine should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is meant for ophthalmic use only. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface, including the eyes, to prevent contamination. Do not use this medicine if you have viral or fungal eye infections unless advised by your doctor.
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat bacterial eye infections associated with inflammation such as conjunctivitis 2. To reduce redness and swelling of the eyes 3. To help manage postoperative eye inflammation when prescribed 4. To prevent bacterial growth in susceptible eye conditions |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Temporary burning or stinging sensation 2. Blurred vision 3. Eye irritation 4. Eye redness 5. Itching 6. Watery eyes |
| Additional Information | 1. For ophthalmic use only. 2. Avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment unless advised by your doctor. 3. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface. 4. Do not use the medicine longer than prescribed. 5. Store this medication in cold temperature |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Instill the prescribed number of Polymyxin B 5000 iu + Chloramphenicol 4 mg + Dexamethasone 1 mg / 5 ml Eye drops into the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor. |
Polymyxin B 5000 iu + Chloramphenicol 4 mg + Dexamethasone 1 mg / 5 ml Eye drops Uses
Polymyxin B 5000 IU + Chloramphenicol 4 mg + Dexamethasone 1 mg/5 mL Eye drops are used to treat the following conditions:
- Conjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria
- Blepharitis associated with bacterial infection
- Postoperative ocular inflammation with risk of bacterial infection
- Eye redness, swelling, and irritation due to bacterial infections
Polymyxin B 5000 iu + Chloramphenicol 4 mg + Dexamethasone 1 mg / 5 ml Eye drops side effects
More Common
- Temporary burning or stinging sensation
- Blurred vision
- Eye irritation
- Eye redness
- Itching
- Watery eyes
Less Common
- Increased eye pressure
- Sensitivity to light
- Eyelid swelling
- Eye pain
- Delayed wound healing
- Secondary eye infections with prolonged use
- Allergic reactions
How Polymyxin B 5000 iu + Chloramphenicol 4 mg + Dexamethasone 1 mg / 5 ml Eye drops works
This medicine contains polymyxin B, chloramphenicol, and dexamethasone. Polymyxin B damages the bacterial cell membrane, leading to bacterial death. Chloramphenicol inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, preventing bacterial growth and multiplication. Dexamethasone reduces inflammation by suppressing the release of substances that cause redness, swelling, and irritation. Together, they help control bacterial infection while relieving inflammation and discomfort in the eyes.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy/Hypersentivity
Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to polymyxin B, chloramphenicol, dexamethasone, or any of its ingredients.
Viral or fungal eye infections
Do not use this medicine in viral infections such as herpes simplex keratitis or fungal eye infections, as dexamethasone may worsen these conditions.
Glaucoma
Prolonged use may increase intraocular pressure. Use cautiously in patients with glaucoma and under regular medical supervision.
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only if clearly recommended by your doctor after assessing the benefits and risks.
Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.
Polymyxin B 5000 iu + Chloramphenicol 4 mg + Dexamethasone 1 mg / 5 ml Eye drops Interaction with Food Product
Food does not significantly affect the action of this medicine. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of liver damage and drowsiness. Maintain adequate fluid intake to help reduce dry mouth and constipation.
Polymyxin B 5000 iu + Chloramphenicol 4 mg + Dexamethasone 1 mg / 5 ml Eye drops Interaction with Other Medicines
Since this medicine is used in the eyes, food interactions are not expected. Avoid alcohol and smoking if they worsen your overall recovery or eye irritation.
Polymyxin B 5000 iu + Chloramphenicol 4 mg + Dexamethasone 1 mg / 5 ml Eye drops Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
Polymyxin B: N-[(2S)-4-amino-1-[[(2S,3R)-1-[[(2S)-4-amino-1-oxo-1-[[(3S,6S,9S,12S,15R,18R,21S)-6,9,18-tris(2-aminoethyl)-15-benzyl-3-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-12-(2-methylpropyl)-2,5,8,11,14,17,20-heptaoxo-1,4,7,10,13,16,19-heptazacyclotricos-21-yl]amino]butan-2-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-6-methyloctanamide
Chloramphenicol: 2,2-dichloro-N-[(1R,2R)-1,3-dihydroxy-1-(4-nitrophenyl)propan-2-yl]acetamide
Dexamethasone: 9-fluoro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Polymyxin B 5000 iu + Chloramphenicol 4 mg + Dexamethasone 1 mg / 5 ml Eye drops exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Excessive use may cause increased eye irritation, redness, watering, blurred vision, or elevated eye pressure. If accidental ingestion or severe symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children
Directions for use
- Wash your hands before use.
- Tilt your head back.
- Gently pull down the lower eyelid.
- Instill the prescribed number of drops into the eye.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or any surface.
- Close your eyes gently for 1–2 minutes.
- Replace the cap tightly after use.
- Use as directed by your doctor. / 5 ml Eye drops, take them as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Polymyxin B + Chloramphenicol + Dexamethasone eye drops?
This medicine is used to treat bacterial eye infections associated with inflammation. It helps relieve redness, swelling, irritation, and discomfort while controlling bacterial growth.
What are the side effects of Polymyxin B + Chloramphenicol + Dexamethasone eye drops?
Common side effects include temporary burning or stinging sensation, blurred vision, eye irritation, redness, itching, and watery eyes. These effects are usually mild and temporary.
What are the contraindications of Polymyxin B + Chloramphenicol + Dexamethasone eye drops?
This medicine should not be used in patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients or those with viral eye infections, fungal eye infections, ocular tuberculosis, or untreated purulent eye conditions unless specifically advised by a doctor.
Reference
- Oong GC, Tadi P. Chloramphenicol [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from
- Chloramphenicol Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from
- PubChem. Chloramphenicol [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2019. Available from
- PubChem. Dexamethasone [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from
- DrugBank. Dexamethasone [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. 2005. Available from
- Hoffman SL, Punjabi NH, Kumala S, Moechtar MA, Pulungsih SP, Rivai AR, et al. Reduction of Mortality in Chloramphenicol-Treated Severe Typhoid Fever by High-Dose Dexamethasone. New England Journal of Medicine. 1984 Jan 12;310(2):82–8.
- PubChem. Polymyxin B [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2026 [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from
- Shatri G, Tadi P. Polymyxin [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.