Uses of Polymyxin B

Polymyxin B is used to treat is used to treat certain forms of serious bacterial infections when other antibiotics are not suitable. It is used to treat infections of the urinary tract (Ex. urinary tract infections), brain (Ex. meningeal infections) or blood (Ex. bacteremia) caused by susceptible gram-negative bacteria such as Aerobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Therapeutic Category

Polymyxin B: Antibiotics

How Polymyxin B works

Polymyxin B kills the susceptible bacteria that causes infection. It acts by disrupting the composition (lipids and protein) of the bacterial cell membrane and enters the bacterial cell. This causes the contents of the bacterial cell to leak out which subsequently leads to bacterial killing. It may also inactivate the effects of toxins produced by the harmful bacteria.

Common side effects of Polymyxin B

• fever
• skin rash, itching
• diarrhea
• pain, inflammation or swelling at the site of injection

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience severe persistent uncontrollable diarrhea
• If you experience signs of kidney damage (such as excretion of albumin in the urine, presence of kidney cells in the urine, increased kidney enzymes)
• If you experience signs of brain damage (such as sensation of numbness in hands and feet, facial flushing, dizziness, drowsiness, breathing difficulty, fever, headache, or neck stiffness)

Health Tips for Polymyxin B

• Stay hydrated. Maintain proper hydration by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Good hydration helps support kidney function and can aid in the elimination of the medication from your body
• If you experience any unexpected or bothersome side effects while taking Polymyxin B, such as allergic reactions, severe diarrhea, or persistent nausea, contact your healthcare provider immediately
• Maintain proper hygiene practices, such as washing your hands regularly, especially before handling food or touching your face. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria and reduces the risk of additional infections