Polymyxin B: Advanced Antibiotic for Resistant Infections
Polymyxin B functions as a “last-resort” antibiotic which treats severe systemic infections that result from multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The antibiotic serves as a typical component of topical first-aid ointments which protect against minor skin infections.
Product Overview
Therapeutic Class: Polypeptide Antibiotic
Prescription Status: Schedule H1 Drug (Prescription Required)
Common Forms: Injection (IV/IM), Ophthalmic drops, and Topical Ointments.
Primary Action: The treatment method aims to destroy the complete bacterial cell membrane.
Clinical Indications: When does the medical field apply Polymyxin B?
Polymyxin B exists as a treatment option for dangerous medical conditions which fail to respond to other antibiotics. The treatment shows high effectiveness against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Key Uses:
Systemic Infections: The hospital uses this treatment to address urinary tract infections (UTIs) and meningitis and septicemia which stem from antibiotic-resistant strains.
Ophthalmic Care: The treatment provides effective results for bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis of the eye.
Topical First Aid: The product frequently gets used with Bacitracin and Neomycin (Triple Antibiotic) to treat small cuts and scrapes and burns.
Mechanism of Action: The “Detergent” Effect
Polymyxin B functions as a detergent instead of operating through the protein synthesis inhibition path which other antibiotics use. The compound attaches itself to the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that exist in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. The binding causes the membrane to lose its structural integrity, which results in the cell’s contents spilling out, and this process leads to rapid bacterial death.
Dosage & Administration Guidelines
Intravenous (IV) Infusion: The medical prescription requires 15,000 to 25,000 units/kg/day to be administered in two separate doses. A trained healthcare professional must perform this procedure.
Topical Application: The affected skin area needs cleaning before applying a small amount 1–3 times daily.
Ophthalmic Drops: Patients should administer 1–2 drops into the affected eye every 4 to 6 hours.
Safety Information & Critical Precautions
Common Side Effects:
Temporary stinging or blurr
