Polymyxin B sulphate (Polymyxin B sulphate)
Overview of Polymyxin B sulphate
Polymyxin B (Sulphate) is antibiotic derived from a strain of Bacillus polymyxa. Polymyxin B (Sulphate) is a sulfate salt of the least toxic member of the polymixin group. Polymyxin B (Sulphate) is bacteriocidal for many gram negative bacteria. Polymyxin B (Sulphate) is a cationic, basic peptide contains fatty acid D-6-methyloctan-1-oic acid and amino acids L-threonine and L-diaminobutyric acid. Polymyxin B (Sulphate) is used in the treatment of various systemic, urinary tract, otic, ophthalmic and cutaneous infections due to susceptible gram -ve bacteria. Polymyxin B (Sulphate) is administered orally, parentrally and topically, but nowadays, rarely used parentrally due to its potential for causing nephrotoxicity and/or neurotoxicity. Polymyxin B (Sulphate) is more commonly administered as either a topical or otic agent in combination with neomycin or bacitracin. Polymyxin B (Sulphate) is also available in ophthalmic solutions in combination with either trimethoprim B or in combination with bacitracin and neomycin. Polymyxin B is also used in combination with neomycin as a urinary tract irrigant. Polymyxin B was originally approved by the FDA in 1951.
Indication of Polymyxin B sulphate
Polymyxin B Sulphate is primarily indicated in conditions like Bacteremia, Meningitis, Superficial infections, Urinary tract infection, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Joint infections, Skin infections.
Contraindication of Polymyxin B sulphate
Polymyxin B (Sulphate) is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity to the drug.
Side Effects of Polymyxin B sulphate
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Polymyxin B (Sulphate), which give rise to further complications include Convulsions, Coma, Psychosis, Hypersensitivity reactions, Neuromuscular blockage.,Polymyxin B (Sulphate) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Nephrotoxicity, Neurotoxicity, Hematuria, Respiratory paralysis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Polymyxin B (Sulphate) therapy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Polymyxin B (Sulphate) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Drowsiness, Ataxia, Nausea, Vomiting, Blurred vision, Confusion, Urticaria, Flushing, Muscle weakness, Paresthesias, Proteinuria, Reaction at injection site, Azotemia.
Precautions of Polymyxin B sulphate
Before initiating therapy with polymyxin B determine baseline kidney function. Serum concentration must be monitored regularly during treatment. It should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment, mysthania gravis or other condition of neuromuscular disease, in patients known to have hypersensitivity reactions, in pulmonary disease, if sign of respiratory distress or nephrotoxicity occur, the drug should be discontinued. Take appropriate measures in case of secondary infection.