Polyfax Ointment: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions

Polyfax ointment is a topical ointment that is used to treat skin conditions. It is composed of an antibiotic and a corticosteroid, which work together to relieve skin inflammation and infection. Polyfax ointment can be used to treat various skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It is also effective at reducing inflammation and soothing irritated skin. 

Manufacturer: GSK

Generic: Polymyxin B sulfate and bacitracin zinc

Product form:  Ointment 

Drug class: Anti-infective 

Mechanism of action

Polymyxin B and bacitracin are the active components of Polyfax ointment. Both of these medications are categorized as antibiotics that kill the germs causing the infection.

Antibiotics Polymyxin B and Bacitracin target bacteria by binding to their cell membranes and cell wall.  The bacteria are killed when the cell membranes and cell walls are disrupted.

What are Polyfax ointment uses?

Polyfax ointment is used for the following conditions;

Skin Infections: Polyfax prevents the risk of skin infections due to minor burns or accidental scratches.

Eczema: Polyfax is used during eczema for the treatment of redness, itching, and burning sensations.

Infected wounds: Polymax ointment is indicated for topical application on wounds, surgical cuts, and skin ulcers.

Bacterial otitis: Polymax is used for bacterial otitis affecting the external year. It is applied topically on the outer ear to treat the infection.

Other uses of Polyfax ointment include;

• Scabies
• Folliculitis
• Impetigo

Also Read: When to see a dermatologist

What is the Polyfax ointment price in Pakistan?

Polyfax ointment price in Pakistan ranges between 35-37 PKR per 6 g ointment pack. The Polyfax ointment cost varies depending on the manufacturer and the pack size.

How to use Polyfax Ointment?

• Use Polyfax ointment as prescribed and when using it OTC, read the medicine leaflet properly.
• It is recommended that Polyfax ointment be used two times a day on the afflicted areas.
•  In some cases, the more frequent application may be necessary for more severe infections.
• Wash your hands properly before applying Polyfax.
• Clean the targetted area properly and apply the required amount gently on the affected area.
• Don’t put a dressing on the treated area unless your doctor or nurse tells you to.
• For at least 30 minutes after applying the antibiotic cream, avoid using any other creams, ointments, or lotions on the affected region of the skin.
• Repeat the application as required (2-3 times a day).

What is the Dosage of the Polyfax tablet?

Use Polyfax Ointment precisely as directed by your doctor or follow the instructions given with the ointment leaflet.

Adults and Children

• Apply a small amount of Polyfax Ointment thinly over the affected area, which should be left exposed. 
• Depending on the severity of the infection, two or more applications each day may be required.

Elderly

• The dose may be reduced in elderly patients with underlying medical conditions.

Consult a doctor to get a prescription for using Polyfax ointment on infections.

What are the side effects of Polyfax Ointment?

Individuals can be affected differently by medications and their potential side effects. The following are some of the side effects associated with Polyfax;

• Allergic reaction
• Anaphylaxis
• Wheezing
• Breathing difficulties
• Eyelid swelling
• Rash and Itchiness

What are the precautions for Polyfax ointment?

The general instructions for using Polyfax ointment are;

• Do not use Polyfax Ointment if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to polymyxin B sulfate, bacitracin zinc, or any other ingredient of the ointment.
• A rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, neck, or tongue are all possible symptoms of an allergic reaction.
• Polyfax Ointment should be used with caution if you are an adult.
• Do not use more than 200g of Polyfax Ointment per day.
• Inform your doctor if you suffer from a kidney or liver disease.

Also Read: Which cream is best for skin allergy

What if you overdose on Polyfax ointment?

Toxicity can occur if Polyfax Ointment is taken into the body in high quantities. Because Polyfax Ointment is used to treat a vast skin area, your doctor should keep an eye on your kidney function. Fungi and other microorganisms that Polyfax Ointment cannot kill may thrive in the presence of long-term use, resulting in an infection.

In case of overdosage, inform your doctor immediately to prevent any complications.

Does Polyfax Interact with other medicines?

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are now taking or have recently taken any other medications, particularly those purchased without a prescription. 

This is especially true for the following substances, which may interact with your Polyfax Ointment:

• Neuromuscular blocking medicines (sometimes used during surgery) – if you have absorbed a large amount of Polyfax Ointment, these drugs will have a stronger effect on depressing respiration.

Can you use Polyfax ointment during Pregnancy?

Polyfax is not suggested for pregnant women if used on wide skin regions since it is more likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream in considerable amounts. It should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor finds it necessary. If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should notify them if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

It is also unknown whether the antibiotics in this medication can transfer into breast milk. It should only be used by breastfeeding women if prescribed by a doctor. Consult your doctor for expert advice.

How to store Polyfax ointment?

Follow these instructions to store Polyfax ointment;

• Do not store the medicine above 25℃.
• Keep the medicine away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the ointment properly closed after use.
• Do not touch the tube opening to prevent infections.
• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

Talk to a dermatologist to know more about the use of Polyfax ointment.

FAQs

1. Is Polyfax used for fungal infections?

Polfax is an effective antibiotic ointment for the treatment of bacterial infections of the skin. It is not effective against fungal (Antifungal creams) or viral infections.

2.  Why was Polyfax discontinued in the UK?

The third-party closed the manufacturing plant in the UK. This resulted in the discontinuation of Polyfax. It is however a completely safe FDA-approved antibiotic for use on the skin.

3. Is Polyfax ointment an antibiotic?

Polyfax ointment is an antibiotic that contains polymyxin and bacitracin. It kills bacterial growth by interfering with the cell membrane and cell wall of the bacteria.