Trimethoprim-polymyxin B for bacterial conjunctivitis
Article Abstract:
Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and extends onto the eyeball. These superficial bacterial infections usually resolve without treatment, but use of a topical antimicrobial solution may enhance recovery. Trimethoprim-polymyxin B (Polytrim) is a drug in eye-drop form that was recently introduced for this purpose. The bacteria against which Polytrim is effective include streptococci, staphylococci, and H. influenzae. One study of the effectiveness of Polytrim showed it to be as effective as Neosporin (neomycin-polymyxin B-gramicidin) and slightly more effective than chloramphenicol solution in treating a group of 230 conjunctivitis patients. A study of 158 patients with conjunctivitis caused by H. influenzae or pneumococci found Polytrim as effective as topical gentamicin or sulfacetamide. There have been other, smaller studies that concluded Polytrim was approximately as effective as the standard antimicrobials used on the eyes. A table is provided listing ophthalmic antimicrobial solutions and their prices. The safety of Polytrim appears good, as no serious reactions have been reported, but temporary burning, stinging, itching and redness have occurred. In conclusion, the limited data available indicate that Polytrim (trimethoprim-polymyxin B) is effective against bacterial conjunctivitis and may cause less stinging and fewer local reactions than certain other topical antimicrobials. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1990
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New drugs for allergic conjunctivitis
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved three medicated eye drops for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis: Zaditor, Alamast, and Alocril. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the front of the eye. All three of the drugs stabilize mast cells, which are involved in inflammation. Zaditor is also a histamine(sub 1)-receptor antagonists. The drugs are effective but are probably no more effective than other drugs used to treat allergic conjunctivitis.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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Drugs and vaccines against biological weapons
Article Abstract:
Drugs and vaccines that can be used to prevent or treat illness caused by biological weapons are described. The most likely biological weapons are anthrax, plague, smallpox, tularemia, botulism, and viral hemorrhagic fever.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2001
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