Polyspectran in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis

ABSTRACT

Polyspectran[R] [Thilo, Munich, Germany] topical eye medication contains polymyxin B, neomycin, and gramicidin. The combination exhibits broad - spectrum antimicrobial activity. All three drugs are too toxic for systemic use. Our objective was to assess Polyspectran's[R] effectiveness in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, as well as patients' acceptance of and tolerance to this combination. Thirty-three patients with a clinical diagnosis of mucopurulent conjunctivitis who were also culture-positive for bacterial conjunctivitis were entered in the study. All received topical Polyspectran[R] eyedrops six times per day, and Polyspectran[R] eye ointment at bedtime. In two patients [6%], treatment had to be discontinued because of an allergic reaction, later found to be due to the neomycin component. The remaining 31 patients completed a one - week course of therapy. Clinical signs and symptoms were reduced by 50% or more within one week of cassation of therapy in 30 [97%] of these; 28 [90%] had a microbiological cure. The study suggests that topical Polyspectran[R] is a safe and effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis