Polysporin eye drops (or technically Polymyxin B sulfate gramicidin) is used to treat a variety of eye infections that are caused by bacteria. The drug functions by killing the bacteria causing the infection, thus removing the symptoms. Usually, polysporin eye drops are used in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis (more commonly referred to as “pink eye”) or eye styes (infections of the sebaceous glands of the eyelid). With treatment from polysporin eye drops, either as prevention or after infection onset, most people report that the infection immediately subsides and is cured in a few days.

Polysporin eye drops should be used at the direction of a doctor. Do not share this medication with people who have similar issues or diseases as the drug may react harmfully with their sensitive eye tissue. An average dose of polysporin eye drops are 1 to 2 drops in the eye at least four times a day with approximately five minutes lapsing between the application of each drop. As with many controlled substances, if you accidentally miss a dose, take it immediately and resume your normal schedule as soon as possible, refraining from taking a double dose. Further, people using polysporin eye drops as part of a treatment regiment for eye infections should note that they are still contagious during the treatment cycle and should maintain precautions to stop the spread of the infection to others.

Although drug interactions are are with this drug, some people have experienced extreme allergic reactions to polysporin eye drops. The symptoms usually manifest themselves similar to that of a food allergy or asthma attack. Those allergic will experience severe rash, extreme difficulty of breathing, and a swelling of the respiratory tissues in the mouth and throat. In case of an extreme allergic reaction, medical attention should be sought immediately.