Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
POLYMYXIN B SULFATE - INJECTABLE
(paw-lee-MIX-in B SUL-fate)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Polymyxin B Sulfate
Uses
Polymixin B is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, meningitis, blood infections, eye infections).
How To Use
Give this medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Depending on your condition, this medication may be used in various ways, including bladder irrigation. The dosage and duration of treatment depends on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct fluids. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions regarding the use of this medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Continue to use this medication until the fully-prescribed amount is given, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
Side Effects
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fever, facial flushing, drowsiness, change in hearing or ringing in the ears, vision changes, tingling or numbness of the mouth or hands/feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, loss of coordination, severe headache, stiff neck, unusual weakness, change in the amount of urine, trouble breathing, unusually fast heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: neuromuscular disease (e.g., myasthenia gravis), kidney disease, any allergies (especially to polymyxin antibiotics such as colistin). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin, paromomycin), anesthesia drugs or muscle relaxants (e.g., tubocurarine, succinylcholine, gallamine, decamethonium), sodium citrate, quinine/quinidine, colistin, bacitracin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: seizures, bloody or pink-colored urine, change in amount of urine, tingling or numbness of the hands/feet.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor for side effects and response to treatment.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose or your dose is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly to establish a new dosing schedule.
Storage
Store vials at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from moisture. Protect vials from light. Retain in carton until time of use. After mixing and dilution in correct fluids (consult your pharmacist for details), the drug is stable at refrigerator temperature for 72 hours. Discard any unused liquid.
