Polymyxin B - Antibiotic Treatment for Bacterial Infections

Polymyxin B is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacteria, either alone or in combination with other antibiotics.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available by prescription
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Polymyxin B FAQ


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What is polymyxin B used for?

Polymyxin B, sold under the brand name Poly-Rx among others, is an antibiotic used to treat meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. While it is useful for many Gram negative infections, it is not useful for Gram positive infections.

What are the side effects of polymyxin B?

More commonly, some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching, eyelid swelling or crusting, tearing, or sensitivity to light may occur. Continue to use polymyxin B and talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Are polymyxins a class of antibiotics?

This topic last updated: Nov 22, 2022. The polymyxins comprise a separate class of antibiotics and include a number of different compounds. However, only polymyxin B and polymyxin E (also known as colistin) are in clinical use [ 1 ]. They were isolated from Paenibacillus polymyxa and became available for clinical use in the 1950s [ 2,3 ].

What is polymyxin B ophthalmic?

Polymyxin B is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections. The ophthalmic form of polymyxin B is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes. Polymyxin B ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. What is the most important information I should know about polymyxin B ophthalmic?

What are Polymyxins B & E?

Polymyxins B and E (also known as colistin) are used in the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections. They work mostly by breaking up the bacterial cell membrane. They are part of a broader class of molecules called nonribosomal peptides . They are produced in nature by Gram-positive bacteria such as Paenibacillus polymyxa .

What is polymyxin B & E (colistin)?

Polymyxin B and Polymyxin E (colistin) are the two drugs within this antibiotic class used primarily in clinical practice. They are FDA approved for serious infections with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, especially those caused by Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii.

What are the side effects of polymyxin B sulfate?

Polymyxin B (polymyxin b sulfate) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, meningitis, blood infections, and eye infections. Polymyxin B is available in generic form. Common side effects of Polymyxin B include: temporary blurred vision if used as eye drops.

Polymyxin B References

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