Polymyxin B (By injection)
pol-ee-MIX-in B SUL-fate
Treats infections.
Drug classes
Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Polymyxin B injection is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body.
Polymyxin B belongs to the group of medicines known as antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein. It can also be given as a shot into your back.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Tell your doctor if you recently had surgery or a procedure that included the use of anesthesia. The muscle relaxers and anesthetics used may interact with polymyxin B.
Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken another antibiotic, such as bacitracin, streptomycin, neomycin, kanamycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, or amikacin. You could have a higher risk of side effects if you take any of these with polymyxin B.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to polymyxin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Kidney problems Nerve problemsThis medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blurred vision
Clumsiness, weakness, numbness, tingling feeling
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, trouble urinating
Diarrhea that may contain blood
Dizziness, drowsiness, or irritability
Fever with a headache or stiff neck
Trouble breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Redness, pain, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
White spots in your mouth or throat, vaginal itching, or unusual vaginal discharge
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Novaplus Polymyxin B Sulfate
There may be other brand names for this medicine.