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Overview

Polymyxin B

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Polymyxin B

Some serious bacterial infections that effect the eyes can be treated with Polymyxin B. The drug acts as a polypeptide antibiotic and effectively cures infections like conjunctivitis and blepharitis by destroying sensitive bacteria. The drug can only be prescribed for the treatment of eye infections that are caused as a result of bacterial invasion. It cannot treat any other bacterial or viral infections that affect other parts of the body.

Before you start using the medicine, provide your medical adviser a full history of all your health problems and the list of medication you are currently taking. Inform him of any allergies that you are aware of as well.

The following are a few side effects that you may experience when you start taking Polymyxin B-

  • stinging or burning in the eyes for a short period of time.
  • blurry vision
  • temporary itchiness of the eye
  • eye redness >/li>

It is very rare that you might develop an allergic reaction to the medicine. But if you do so, it is important that you opt for immediate medical aid. Some of the symptoms that you may suffer from in this case are development of rashes that may cause irritation and itching, swelling of the eyes or face, problems with breathing and dizzy spells. If you condition does not improve and becomes worse consult your doctor as soon as possible.

As the drug causes blurry eyes for a short period of time, ensure that you do not drive or indulge in any dangerous activity until your eyesight becomes normal again. If you are pregnant, use Polymyxin B only when absolutely necessary. Even if you are breast feeding, consult your doctor first before taking the drug.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Polymyxin B

    • Acute Infection

      This medicine is used to treat susceptible infections of the urinary tract, meninges, and bloodstream caused by certain specific strains of bacteria.

    • Ocular/Otic Infections

      This medicine is also used to treat infections of the eyes and ears caused by certain specif strains of bacteria.

    • Skin Infection

      This medicine is also used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotic medications.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Polymyxin B ?

    • Allergy

      This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to it or any other components present with it.

    • Ruptured Ear Drum

      This medicine should not be instilled in the ears if you have a ruptured eardrum.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Polymyxin B ?

    • Burning Or Tingling Sensation Of Hands And Feet

    • Visual Disturbances

    • Stomach Discomfort And Cramps

    • Nausea Or Vomiting

    • Weakness In Arms, Hands, Legs Or Feets

    • Severe Difficulty In Breathing

    • Mental Confusion

    • Persistent Diarrhea

    • Allergic Skin Reaction

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Polymyxin B

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The time duration for which this medicine remains effective in the body is not clinically established.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The time taken for this medicine to show it's effect is subject to variations and is not clinically established.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine should not be used during a pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor and discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with use.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine should be used with caution by women who are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor and discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with use.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, then the missed dose can be skipped.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact your doctor if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms may include mental confusion, difficulty in walking, dizziness, skin irritation etc.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Polymyxin B approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Polymyxin B

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Polymyxin B as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    The active constituent of this medication acts as a cationic detergent and disrupts the bacterial cell membrane. This results in oozing out of the cell constituent and lysis of the organism.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Polymyxin B ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Lab

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Gentamicin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may need a dose adjustment and frequent clinical monitoring to safely use these medicines together. Report incidences of loss of appetite, sudden weight gain, and fluid retention to the doctor immediately.

        Ethinyl Estradiol

        Use of this medicine may make oral contraceptives less effective. This may result in unintended pregnancies. Other methods of contraceptions should be discussed with the doctor before treatment with polymyxin B is initiated.

        Live cholera vaccine

        Report the use of this medicine before taking a live cholera vaccine. Any live vaccine should be taken 14 days after stopping the use of polymyxin B.

        Atracurium

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may be advised to use a substitute medicine that has less or no interaction. Report any instance of troubled breathing to the doctor. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.

        Gallamine

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring while using these medicines together.

        Botulinum toxin type B

        Report the current/prior use of either of the medicines to the doctor. You may need a dose adjustment and frequent clinical monitoring to safely use these medicines together.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Brain Toxicity

        The injectable form of this medicine should not be used in patients with brain damage, memory problems, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment after assessing the condition.

        Kidney Disease

        This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from a kidney disease. Symptoms of the disease may worsen after the use of polymyxin B. You may need a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring while using this medicine.

        Colitis

        Use of this medicine may cause severe irritation of the stomach and the intestine. Report any instance of colitis in the past or the present to the doctor. Appropriate diagnostic tests and clinical monitoring are advised before starting the treatment course with this medicine.
      • Interaction with Food

        Food

        Information not available.

      References

      • Polymyxin B-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/polymyxin%20b

      • Polymyxin B-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00781

      • POLYMYXIN B drop,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=POLYMYXIN+B

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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