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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Polymyxin B Sulfate And Trimethoprim Sulfate
Brand Name
Polymyxin B Sulfate And Trimethoprim Sulfate
Generic Name
Polymyxin B Sulfate And Trimethoprim Sulfate
Active Ingredient
Polymyxin BCategory
Corticosteroid [EPC]
Salt Form
Sulfate
Variants
2
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10000 [iU]/mL | SOLUTION/ DROPS | OPHTHALMIC | 70069-311 |
| 10000 [iU]/mL | SOLUTION/ DROPS | OPHTHALMIC | 70518-4381 |
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Polymyxin B Sulfate And Trimethoprim Sulfate, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Detailed information about Polymyxin B Sulfate And Trimethoprim Sulfate
Polymyxin B is a potent polypeptide antibiotic used primarily to treat severe systemic and local infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria. It is often reserved for multi-drug resistant cases under strict medical supervision.
For systemic infections, the standard intravenous (IV) dosage for adults with normal renal function is typically 15,000 to 25,000 units per kilogram of body weight per day. This total daily dose is usually divided into two doses administered every 12 hours. For intramuscular (IM) administration, the dose may range from 25,000 to 30,000 units/kg/day.
In infants and children with normal renal function, the intravenous dose can be up to 40,000 units/kg/day if necessary for life-threatening infections. Dosage is strictly calculated based on weight and the severity of the infection. Use in pediatric patients must be closely monitored by a specialist.
Because Polymyxin B is cleared by the kidneys, patients with impaired renal function (reduced GFR) require significant dose reductions. Healthcare providers will monitor serum creatinine and urea levels to adjust the frequency and amount of the drug to prevent toxicity.
Standard dosing is generally used as the drug is not primarily metabolized by the liver, though overall clinical status must be monitored.
Older adults often have age-related declines in kidney function. Dosing should be conservative, usually starting at the lower end of the range.
Polymyxin B is almost exclusively administered in a hospital or clinical setting when given systemically. For topical or ophthalmic use, patients should follow the specific application instructions provided on the label, ensuring they do not touch the dropper or tube tip to any surface to prevent contamination. Storage should be at room temperature (20°C to 25°C), protected from light and moisture.
In a hospital setting, nursing staff will manage the schedule. If you are using a topical or eye drop form at home and miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Signs of systemic overdose include acute kidney failure (decreased urination), muscle weakness, and respiratory paralysis. In the event of a suspected overdose, emergency medical intervention is required, which may include respiratory support and management of fluid/electrolyte balance.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
When applied topically or ophthalmically, common side effects include:
For systemic (IV/IM) use:
Polymyxin B is a potent antibiotic that must be used with extreme caution. It is not effective against viral infections like the flu or the common cold. Misuse or overuse of this antibiotic can lead to the development of resistant bacteria.
According to the FDA-approved labeling, Polymyxin B Sulfate for injection is associated with a high risk of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and neurotoxicity (nerve damage). Physicians must monitor kidney function daily through blood tests (creatinine and BUN). Patients must be observed for signs of respiratory distress, as the drug can interfere with the signals between nerves and muscles.
Polymyxin B is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category B (or C depending on the specific manufacturer's label). Animal studies have not always shown a risk, but there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, particularly in life-threatening situations.
It is unknown whether Polymyxin B is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Polymyxin B is approved for use in children, including infants, for specific severe infections. However, the risk of kidney damage is significant, and dosing must be meticulously calculated based on body weight. It is not recommended for minor infections in children where safer alternatives exist.
Polymyxin B is a cyclic lipopeptide. The molecule contains a fatty acid tail that integrates into the bacterial cell membrane. Specifically, it interacts with the lipid A portion of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. This interaction displaces calcium and magnesium ions that normally stabilize the membrane, leading to increased permeability and cell lysis (bursting).
Polymyxin B exhibits concentration-dependent killing. This means that higher concentrations of the drug at the site of infection lead to faster and more complete bacterial eradication. The duration of its effect is linked to its ability to remain bound to bacterial surfaces.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | Negligible (Oral); 100% (IV) |
| Protein Binding | 70% to 90% |
Common questions about Polymyxin B Sulfate And Trimethoprim Sulfate
Polymyxin B is a potent antibiotic used primarily to treat severe, life-threatening infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria that are resistant to other treatments. Your doctor may prescribe it for systemic infections like sepsis (blood poisoning), meningitis, or severe urinary tract infections. It is also commonly found in topical ointments and eye drops to treat localized bacterial infections. Because of its potential for side effects, it is usually reserved for cases where other antibiotics have failed. It is not effective against viral infections or Gram-positive bacteria.
The side effects of Polymyxin B depend heavily on how it is administered. When used as an injection, common side effects include dizziness, numbness or tingling in the face and extremities, and pain at the injection site. When used as an eye drop or skin ointment, mild stinging, redness, or temporary blurred vision may occur. The most serious common concerns for systemic use are kidney damage and nerve toxicity. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely to manage these risks during treatment.
It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while being treated with Polymyxin B. Although there is no specific chemical reaction between the two, alcohol can lead to dehydration, which places additional stress on the kidneys. Since Polymyxin B is known to be potentially toxic to the kidneys (nephrotoxic), maintaining optimal hydration is a priority. Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to fight off the serious infections for which Polymyxin B is prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding lifestyle choices during antibiotic therapy.
Polymyxin B is typically used during pregnancy only when the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. It is classified by the FDA as a drug where human studies are limited, meaning its safety profile for unborn babies is not fully established. In life-threatening situations where no other antibiotic is effective, a doctor may decide it is necessary. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you must inform your healthcare provider immediately. They will evaluate the severity of your infection against the potential risks.
The onset of action for Polymyxin B is relatively rapid because it is a bactericidal agent, meaning it kills bacteria directly upon contact. For systemic infections, patients may begin to show clinical improvement, such as a reduction in fever, within 24 to 48 hours of starting intravenous therapy. However, the full course of treatment must be completed as prescribed by your doctor to ensure the infection is entirely cleared. For topical or eye infections, symptoms like redness or discharge often begin to improve within a few days. If symptoms do not improve, contact your healthcare provider.
You should never stop taking Polymyxin B or any antibiotic suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider. Stopping the medication too early can allow the remaining bacteria to multiply, potentially leading to a relapse of the infection. More importantly, incomplete treatment contributes to antibiotic resistance, making the bacteria harder to treat in the future. If you are experiencing bothersome side effects, speak with your doctor. they may adjust your dose or provide supportive care rather than stopping the drug entirely.
If you are receiving Polymyxin B in a hospital, the medical staff will ensure you receive your doses on time; if a dose is delayed, they will adjust the schedule accordingly. For home use of topical or ophthalmic (eye) forms, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled application, skip the missed one and continue with your regular routine. Never apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. Consistency is key to ensuring the antibiotic remains at effective levels in the body.
Weight gain is not a recognized side effect of Polymyxin B. Unlike some corticosteroids or other medications, Polymyxin B does not affect metabolism or appetite in a way that leads to fat accumulation. However, if you notice sudden weight gain accompanied by swelling in the legs, ankles, or face, you should contact your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of fluid retention caused by kidney dysfunction, which is a known serious side effect of the drug. Your healthcare provider will monitor your fluid balance and kidney health throughout treatment.
Polymyxin B can interact with several other medications, some of which can lead to serious health complications. It is particularly dangerous when combined with other drugs that are toxic to the kidneys or nerves, such as certain other antibiotics (aminoglycosides) or muscle relaxants used during surgery. You must provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements you are taking. This allows your doctor to screen for potential interactions and adjust your treatment plan for safety.
Yes, Polymyxin B Sulfate is available as a generic medication in various forms, including powder for injection and topical ointments. Generic versions are required by the FDA to have the same quality, strength, and purity as the original brand-name versions. The availability of a generic option often makes the treatment more affordable for patients and healthcare systems. Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can confirm which version is being used for your specific treatment. Regardless of the brand, the clinical precautions and monitoring requirements remain the same.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Polymyxin B)
> Warning: Stop taking Polymyxin B and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these:
Prolonged systemic use is rare but can lead to permanent kidney damage or chronic vestibular (balance) issues. Topical use over long periods may lead to sensitization, where the patient develops an allergy to the drug.
Polymyxin B carries a significant FDA Black Box Warning regarding:
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Systemic Polymyxin B may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
While there is no direct chemical interaction with alcohol, alcohol can dehydrate the body, potentially increasing the risk of kidney toxicity. It is generally advised to avoid alcohol during treatment for serious infections.
For systemic infections, the full course must be completed to ensure the infection is eradicated. Stopping early can lead to the return of a more resistant infection.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Polymyxin B.
There are no known significant food interactions with systemic Polymyxin B, as it is not administered orally. However, maintaining adequate hydration (water intake) is vital to protect the kidneys unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
Polymyxin B does not typically interfere with standard laboratory chemical tests, but it will affect the results of bacterial cultures by inhibiting the growth of susceptible organisms.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Patients allergic to Colistin (Polymyxin E) are highly likely to be allergic to Polymyxin B due to their similar chemical structures.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Polymyxin B.
Clinical studies have shown that patients over 65 are at a higher risk for nephrotoxicity. This is often due to diminished renal reserve. Frequent monitoring of renal function is essential for this population.
In patients with a GFR below 50 mL/min, the dose must be reduced. For patients on hemodialysis, the drug is not efficiently removed, so supplemental doses are generally not required after a dialysis session, but serum levels should be monitored if possible.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
| Tmax | ~2 hours (IM) |
| Metabolism | Non-CYP mediated; minimal hepatic |
| Excretion | Renal 60% (unchanged) |
Polymyxin B is the prototypical member of the Polymyxin-class Antibacterials. It is chemically distinct from aminoglycosides and beta-lactams.