Polymyxin B is an antibiotic drug to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections, such as eye infections, ear infections, or skin infections. This medicine cannot be used to treat viral or fungal infections.
Polymyxin B works by killing and preventing the growth of bacteria, so that infections can be overcome. This drug is often found in combination with other types of antibiotics, such as bacitracin or neomycin.
Polymyxin B trademark:Alletrol Compositum, Bacitracin–Polymyxin B, Conjuncto, Cendo Polynef, Cendo Xitrol, Corthon, Inmatrol, Liposin, Nelymix, Nelicort, Otilon, Polyfrisin, Tigalin, Ximex Optixitrol
What is Polymyxin B
| group | Polypeptide class of antibiotics |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Treating diseases caused by bacterial infections, such as eye infections, ear infections, or skin infections |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Polymyxin B for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Polymyxin B is not known whether it can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Eye drops, eye ointments, ear drops and ointments |
Precautions Before Using Polyxymin B
Polyxymin B should only be used with a doctor's prescription. Before using polymyxin B, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use polymyxin B if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires vigilance while taking polyxymin B, as this medicine can cause dizziness and headaches.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, lung disease, neurological disorders, eczema, chickenpox, herpes, or measles.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including antibiotics, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are planning any surgery, including dental surgery.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after using polymyxin B.
Dosage and Rules of Use Polymyxin B
The dose of polymyxin B varies in each patient. The doctor will give the dose and determine the duration of treatment according to the patient's condition and age. The following is a breakdown of polymyxin B doses based on the condition to be treated:
Condition: eye infection
Shape: eye drops
- Adults: 1-2 drops, 6 times daily
- Children: 1-2 drops, 6 times a day
Shape: Eye ointment
- Adults: apply 3-4 times a day
- Children: apply 3-4 times a day
Condition: skin infection
Shape: Ointment
- Adults: 0.1%, 1-3 times daily
- Children: 0.1%, 1-3 times a day
Condition: Ear infection
Shape: Ear drops
- Adult: In ear drops containing a polymyxin mixture, 3.5 mg neomycin, 10,000 units and 10 mg hydrocortisone, the dose given is 4 drops, 3-4 times a day for 10 days
- Children: In ear drops containing a polymyxin mixture, 3.5 mg neomycin, 10,000 units and 10 mg hydrocortisone, the dose given is 3 drops, 3-4 times a day for 10 days
How to Use Polymyxin B Correctly
Use polymyxin B according to the doctor's advice or the instructions for use listed on the medicine package. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Do not forget to always wash your hands before and after using polymyxin B. Clean the infected area before applying the drug.
Use polymyxin B eye drops or ear drops by placing polymyxin B in the infected eye or ear, then let it sit for a while.
For polymyxin B eye ointment, apply the ointment on the infected eye area. Then close your eyes for 1-2 minutes and don't rub your eyes. Use a tissue to wipe off any remaining ointment stuck to your eyelashes.
For polymyxin B skin ointment, apply the ointment on the infected skin area 1-3 times a day. Avoid using this medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If these areas are accidentally exposed to the drug, clean immediately and rinse under running water.
Store polymyxin B at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children.
Interaction of Polymyxin B with Other Drugs
If used together with certain drugs, polymyxin B has the potential to cause the following interactions:
- Increased risk of kidney damage and hearing loss if used with amphotericin B, bacitracin, or aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as neomicyn
- Increased risk of a number of side effects, such as muscle weakness, paralysis, and difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking, if used with botox, such as abobotulinumtoxinA
- Decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as BCG vaccine, cholera vaccine, or typhoid vaccine
- Increased risk of renal impairment if used with immunoglobulins or antivirals, such as adefovir and cidofovir
- Increasing the effectiveness of class drugs neuromuscular blocking drugs(NMBDs), such as pancuronium, pipecuronium, or rapacuronium
Side Effects and Dangers Polymyxin B
The side effects that can arise from polymyxin B depend on the dosage form. Polymyxin B eye drops can cause side effects in the form of:
- Red eye
- Burning feeling
- Itchy feeling
- The stinging feeling
- Blurred vision
While polymyxin B skin ointment preparations can cause side effects in the form of burning, irritation, or redness of the skin.
These side effects are generally temporary. If the complaints do not subside or get worse, do an examination to the doctor.
You should also see a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Fever
- Dizzy
- Tingling in hands and feet
- Hearing loss and even deafness
- Balance disorders
- Ataxia
- Kidney disorders
