Polyfax Plus Skin Oint

Overview

Polyfax Plus Skin Ointment is a topical medicine for external use on the skin. It is commonly listed as a combination of polymyxin B, bacitracin and lignocaine. Polymyxin B and bacitracin are antibacterial agents used on susceptible bacterial skin infections, while lignocaine is a local anaesthetic that can help reduce local discomfort.

The listing title identifies the product as a skin ointment. The image and retail data may show a pack size; always confirm the final pack size, ingredients and expiry date on the physical pack before dispensing or use.

Benefits

• Helps control susceptible bacterial contamination on affected skin
• May support healing by reducing bacterial load in minor infected skin areas
• Lignocaine component may help reduce local discomfort at the application site
• Ointment base helps keep the affected area covered and protected

Key Features

• Topical skin ointment for external application
• Contains polymyxin B and bacitracin, antibacterial agents used on skin
• Contains lignocaine, a local anaesthetic used for temporary local pain relief
• Useful for infected minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, burns and surgical skin cuts when clinically appropriate
• Supplied as a skin ointment pack; verify pack size against the physical label before dispensing

Dosage and How to Use

• How to use: Wash hands before and after use. Clean and dry the affected skin gently, apply a thin layer to the affected area, and cover only if advised. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
• Administration: Topical external application to skin only.
• Recommended dose: Use exactly as prescribed or as directed on the product label. Do not increase the amount, frequency or duration without medical advice.
• Pediatric use: Use in children only on medical advice, especially if the affected area is large, damaged or repeatedly treated.
• Elderly use: Older adults should use only as advised, particularly if treating large skin areas or if they have kidney problems.
• When to take: Apply at the times advised by the prescribing doctor, pharmacist or product label.
• With food: Not applicable; this is for topical skin use.
• Missed dose: If an application is missed, apply when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled application. Do not apply extra ointment to make up for a missed use.
• Overdose: Accidental swallowing, use over very large areas, repeated excessive application or symptoms such as severe dizziness, fast heartbeat, seizures, marked nausea, swelling or breathing difficulty require urgent medical help.

Specifications

Side Effects

Common side effects

• Mild local burning or stinging
• Skin redness or irritation
• Itching or rash at the application site
• Dryness or contact sensitivity

Serious side effects (seek medical help)

• Severe allergic reaction
• Worsening infection or new fungal overgrowth with prolonged use
• Signs of excessive lignocaine absorption such as severe dizziness, confusion, fast heartbeat or seizures
• Possible kidney or nerve-related toxicity if large amounts are absorbed, especially over extensive damaged skin

Allergic reaction

Allergic reactions may include rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face/lips/throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Stop use and seek urgent help if these occur.

Safety and Precautions

• For external use only
• Do not use if allergic to polymyxin B, bacitracin, lignocaine or related antibiotics/local anaesthetics
• Seek medical advice for deep wounds, spreading redness, pus, fever, severe burns or infection that does not improve
• Large-area or prolonged use may increase risk of absorption and unwanted effects
• Long-term unnecessary use of topical antibiotics may encourage overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms such as fungi
• Use only on the area and for the duration advised
• Avoid repeated use on large broken skin areas unless supervised
• Do not share the tube with others
• Stop use and seek advice if rash, swelling, severe irritation or worsening infection occurs
• Tell your healthcare professional about kidney disease or other topical medicines used on the same area

When not to use

Do not use in anyone with a known allergy to the ingredients. Do not use for undiagnosed rashes, viral lesions, fungal-only infections, deep puncture wounds, severe burns or large damaged areas unless a healthcare professional has assessed the condition.

Special populations

• Pregnancy: Use during pregnancy only if a healthcare professional considers it necessary.
• Breastfeeding: Use while breastfeeding only on medical advice. Avoid applying to the breast or nipple area unless specifically directed, and prevent infant contact with treated skin.
• Kidney: Seek medical advice before use if you have kidney disease, especially if large areas of skin will be treated.

Interactions

Conditions:

• Kidney disease, extensive broken skin, severe burns and large treated areas may increase the risk of systemic absorption and adverse effects.

Storage and Disposal

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tube tightly closed after use.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date. Return expired or unwanted medicine to a pharmacy where possible, or dispose according to local medicine-disposal guidance.

Disclaimer

Medical information is for product education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use this medicine only as directed by a qualified healthcare professional or the approved product label.