What is Polymyxin

Polymyxin B is a polymyxin antibiotic. It's a drug that's used to cure bacterial infections. It is ineffective against colds, measles, and other viral infections. Mainly, the medication is used to treat various infections like urinary tract infections, meningitis, blood infection and eye infections.


Polymyxin B Uses:

This drug is used to treat and prevent minor skin infections caused by small wounds, scrapes, or burns. This substance should not be used in vast areas of the body. Before using this medication for skin injuries or diseases, talk with your doctor. This product contains antibiotics neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin, which function by preventing bacteria from growing. Only bacterial skin infections are prevented or treated with this drug. It is ineffective against other forms of skin infections (e.g., infections caused by fungi, viruses).


Side Effects:

Some of the common side effects of Polymyxin are:

  • Burning sensation
  • Eye irritation
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling at the injection site
  • Flushing
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Back pain
  • Stiff neck
  • Unsteadiness
  • Hives
  • Rash

While a person is under the treatment of this drug they might experience certain side effects that may not be adverse. But if your reactions persist or worsen over time then contact your doctor immediately.


Precautions

Before using Polymyxin talk to your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications related to it. The medication may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause serious allergic reactions or other serious problems. Before using the medication talk with your doctor if you have any medical history such as Kidney disease, stomach ulcer or abdominal pain.

How to use Polymyxin B?

  • Follow the directions on the product box or your doctor's orders. Inquire with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns. Cleanse and dry the infected area of skin. If you're going to use the ointment, make sure you wash your hands first.
  • For 1 to 3 times a day, add a small amount of medicine in a thin layer on the skin and rub it. After applying the ointment, wash your face. If you're going to use the spray, give it a good shake before using it, then spray a small amount on the affected area as instructed, usually once or twice a day.
  • Do not use more than the recommended amount of this drug, or apply it more often or for a longer period of time than directed. Your condition may not improve quickly, but you can encounter more side effects. If your doctor advises otherwise, do not use this product for more than one week. Unless instructed by a doctor, do not use this medication on irritated skin in a child's diaper region.

Missed Dose

If you use this medication on a regular basis and forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s time for the next dose try to skip the missed dose. To make up for a missed dose, do not take more than the normal doses.


Overdose

You may experience symptoms such as stomach ache, nausea, and vomiting if you accidentally took too much of this medication. If you have taken an overdose of the drug, contact your doctor right away or go to the nearest hospital.


Warnings for Some Serious Health Conditions

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:

This drug has the potential to hurt an unborn child. If you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant during care, tell your doctor. It's unclear whether polymyxin B and trimethoprim ophthalmic pass into breast milk or if they may damage an infant. Before taking the medications, talk with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.


Storage:

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).


Polymyxin B vs Colistin

Polymyxin B

Colistin

Polymyxin B is a polymyxin antibiotic. It's a drug that's used to cure bacterial infections. It is ineffective against colds, measles, and other viral infections. Colistin is an antibiotic that is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections. The drug is used to treat a certain type of serious infection that is not responding to other antibiotics.
This drug is used to treat and prevent minor skin infections caused by small wounds, scrapes, or burns. The drug is also useful for treating infections of the stomach and the intestine caused due to sensitive gram-negative bacteria and is used for the prevention of bowel sterilization before any surgery is performed.
Some of the common side effects of Polymyxin are:
  • Burning sensation
  • Eye irritation
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling at the injection site
Some of the common side effects of Colistin are:
  • Kidney damage
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is polymyxin B used for?

This product contains antibiotics neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin, which function by preventing bacteria from growing. Only bacterial skin infections are prevented or treated with this drug. It is ineffective against other forms of skin infections (e.g., infections caused by fungi, viruses).

How many drops of polymyxin should I take for pink eye?

For ophthalmic (eye drop) dosage form: Use one drop in the affected eye(s) every 3 hours for 7 to 10 days in adults and children 2 months of age and older. During serious infections, your doctor can urge you to use the drops more frequently. Use and dosage for children under the age of two months must be decided by your doctor.

What are the side effects of polymyxin?

Some of the common side effects of Polymyxin are:

  • Burning sensation
  • Eye irritation
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling at the injection site

What bacteria does polymyxin B kill?

Polymyxin B has rapid in vitro bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumonia, all of which are MDR Gram-negative bacteria.

Is polymyxin B an antibiotic?

Polymyxin B is a polymyxin antibiotic. The medication is used to treat various infections like urinary tract infections, meningitis, blood infection and eye infections.


Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.