Polymyxin b (Injection)

Polymyxin B injection is used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body.

Polymyxin B is part of a group of medicines called antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine must be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

It is important for your doctor to check your or your child's progress during and after treatment. This is to ensure that the infection is completely cleared and to monitor for any unwanted effects. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

If your or your child's symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse, contact your doctor.

Polymyxin B injection may cause diarrhea, which can be severe in some cases. This may occur 2 months or more after stopping this medicine. Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first consulting your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may worsen the diarrhea or prolong it. If you have questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or worsens, contact your doctor.

Contact your doctor immediately if you feel weak, irritable, drowsy, have trouble seeing, experience numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, or encounter other problems with muscle control.

Do not take other medicines unless you have discussed them with your doctor. This includes prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines as well as herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor should consider the risks and benefits. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Studies have not shown any specific problems that would limit the use of polymyxin B injection in children.

Geriatric

There is no information available on how age affects the use of polymyxin B injection in older patients.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies on the risk to infants when this medication is used during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

While some medicines should never be used together, others may be used at the same time even if an interaction could happen. In these cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is very important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below while receiving this medicine. The following interactions are significant but not all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or frequency of use for one or both medicines.

• Alcuronium
• Atracurium
• Cisatracurium
• Doxacurium
• Fazadinium
• Gallamine
• Hexafluorenium
• Metocurine
• Mivacurium
• Pancuronium
• Pipecuronium
• Rapacuronium
• Rocuronium
• Tubocurarine
• Vecuronium

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may impact how this medicine works. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Kidney disease, severe—Use with caution. The effects may be stronger because the medicine may be removed from the body more slowly.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, you may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• Dizziness
• drowsiness
• fever
• headache
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• pain in the lower back or side
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• stiff neck
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may have ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Changes in skin color, pain, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site
• face is warm or hot to touch
• hives or welts
• itching
• redness of the skin
• skin rash

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child 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.

Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you or your child are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.

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