Polymyxin B Trimethoprim — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies
Compare real Polymyxin B Trimethoprim prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives.
What is the out-of-pocket price without health insurance?
The average retail price for Polymyxin B-Trimethoprim is approximately $32.90 per 10ml bottle (10,000 units/1mg/ml). Many patients find that using manufacturer coupons, pharmacy discount programs, or comparing prices across different retailers can substantially lower this cost. Discount savings cards may reduce the price to around $10 or less per bottle at many major pharmacy chains.
Is Polymyxin B-Trimethoprim covered by Medicare?
Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) typically provide coverage for Polymyxin B-Trimethoprim, though specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by individual plan. Patients should review their plan formulary or contact their Medicare plan directly to confirm coverage status and determine their exact copay. For those without insurance or seeking lower costs regardless of coverage, comparing cash-pay prices through pharmacy discount programs and coupons at major retailers may yield favorable pricing options.
Polymyxin B Trimethoprim prices at US pharmacies
(Polymyxin B-Trimethoprim) — bottle of spray, 10ml of 10000units/1mg/ml, qty 10
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger Pharmacy Lowest | $12.97 | $9.97 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $12.97 | $9.97 |
| Costco | $12.99 | — |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $16.47 | $13.47 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $16.47 | $13.47 |
| Food Lion | $13.52 | — |
| Publix | $19.80 | $16.80 |
| Walgreens | $21.76 | $18.76 |
Polymyxin B Trimethoprim prices at Canadian pharmacies
No Canadian pharmacy pricing was found for Polymyxin B Trimethoprim in our latest data pull.
Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.
What is Polymyxin B Trimethoprim used for?
Polymyxin B-trimethoprim is a combination eye drop that pairs two antibiotics with different mechanisms — polymyxin B disrupts the bacterial cell membrane, while trimethoprim blocks bacterial folic acid synthesis — to broaden coverage against the bacteria that commonly cause conjunctivitis and blepharoconjunctivitis, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and, notably, some Pseudomonas aeruginosa coverage that a single-agent drop wouldn't provide. It's an inexpensive, generic, first-line option for bacterial pink eye and sits in WHO's Access AWaRe category, reflecting its established safety record and appropriateness as a routine choice rather than something reserved for resistant infections.
Two labeling details are worth knowing. It's specifically not indicated for ophthalmia neonatorum (newborn conjunctivitis), which has its own dedicated treatment protocols regardless of what other topical antibiotics might seem reasonable. And unlike neomycin-containing combination drops, contact allergy to this particular combination is less common, which is part of why it's often favored over neomycin-based products for patients who've had irritation with those.
Because it contains no corticosteroid, it doesn't carry the intraocular pressure or wound-healing concerns that come with steroid-antibiotic combinations, making it a reasonable choice to start before a definitive bacterial-versus-other cause has been fully sorted out — though, as with any topical antibiotic, worsening symptoms rather than improvement over a few days should prompt reevaluation rather than continued use.
How Polymyxin B Trimethoprim works
Disrupts the bacterial membrane
Polymyxin B binds to and damages the outer membrane of susceptible bacteria, causing their contents to leak out.
Blocks folic acid synthesis
Trimethoprim inhibits an enzyme bacteria need to make folic acid, which they require to produce DNA and proteins.
The infection clears
The two mechanisms together stop bacterial growth and kill susceptible organisms, and symptoms typically improve within a few days.
Typical dosage forms & strengths
| Use | Typical adult dose | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial conjunctivitis (adults and children) | 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 3 hours for 7–10 days | Ophthalmic solution |
General reference dosing from the FDA label — not personalized advice. Your prescribed dose may differ based on your infection, kidney function, age, and weight. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.
Related & alternative drugs
Commonly used for
Warnings & interactions
This is a summary of the official FDA label text, not personalized medical advice. It does not list every possible interaction or side effect. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.
Common, usually mild
- Eye stinging, burning, or irritation
- Eye redness or itching
Serious — seek care promptly
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction (eyelid swelling, rash, significant redness or tearing)
- Worsening eye pain, discharge, or vision changes
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Polymyxin B Sulfate and Trimethoprim Ophthalmic Solution is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Warnings
WARNINGS NOT FOR INJECTION INTO THE EYE. If a sensitivity reaction to Polymyxin B Sulfate and Trimethoprim Ophthalmic Solution occurs, discontinue use. Polymyxin B Sulfate and Trimethoprim Ophthalmic Solution is not indicated for the prophylaxis or treatment of ophthalmia neonatorum.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Polymyxin B Trimethoprim, by the numbers
Additional public data points beyond retail pricing — useful context, not a price quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Polymyxin B Trimethoprim cost without insurance?
Is there a generic version of Polymyxin B Trimethoprim?
Is Polymyxin B Trimethoprim currently in shortage?
What drug class is Polymyxin B Trimethoprim in?
Learn more about Polymyxin B Trimethoprim
In-depth answers to common Polymyxin B Trimethoprim questions, fact-checked against the sources cited in each.
What does Polymyxin B-Trimethoprim treat?
Polymyxin B-Trimethoprim is a combination antibiotic eye drop used to manage bacterial infections of the eye. Common conditions it addresses include conjunctivitis (bacterial pink eye) and blepharoconjunctivitis (infection affecting both the conjunctiva and eyelid). Polymyxin B, a polypeptide antibiotic, works by damaging the bacterial cell wall structure. Trimethoprim, classified as a folic acid inhibitor, prevents bacteria from utilizing folic acid (vitamin B9), a compound essential for bacterial protein synthesis and cellular function. Typical treatment involves instilling one drop into the affected eye every three hours, continuing for seven to ten days as directed by your healthcare provider.
What side effects can occur with this medication?
Local eye reactions represent the most frequently reported adverse effects and typically include stinging, burning sensations, ocular redness, itching, and discomfort. These localized reactions may last several hours after application. Allergic responses also occur relatively commonly and may manifest as eyelid swelling, itchiness, conjunctival redness, excessive tearing, or periocular rash. This summary does not represent an exhaustive list of possible adverse effects. Patients experiencing concerning symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
How do insurance copays compare to uninsured prices?
Your Polymyxin B-Trimethoprim copay depends on your specific insurance plan and formulary status. Many patients discover that discount cards or pharmacy price-comparison tools offer lower costs than their insurance copay. Before filling your prescription, ask your pharmacist to compare your insurance copay against available cash-pay discount options—sometimes the uninsured price with a discount program is substantially lower. Discount programs may offer savings of up to 70–80% off regular retail pricing.
Page info
Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Angelica Balingit, M.D., Internal Medicine