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Polymyxin B

Generic name: Polymyxin B [ pol-i-MIKS-in-bee ]
Drug class: Miscellaneous antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 8, 2023.

Warning

  • This medicine has not been fully studied in pregnant women. Talk with the doctor.
  • This medicine may cause kidney problems. Have your blood work checked as you were told by your doctor. Call your doctor right away if you are unable to pass urine or if you have a change in how much urine is passed.
  • This medicine may cause nerve problems. Signs of these nerve problems may be irritation, weakness, feeling sleepy, change in balance, numbness or tingling around the mouth or in the arms or legs, blurred eyesight, or trouble breathing. Most of the time, these nerve problems happen in people with kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or if you have any of these signs.
  • Do not use polymyxin B if you are taking any drugs that can cause kidney or nerve problems like amikacin, bacitracin, cephaloridine, colistin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, or viomycin. There are many other drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Uses of Polymyxin B:

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Polymyxin B?

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take polymyxin B with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Polymyxin B?

How is this medicine (Polymyxin B) best taken?

Use polymyxin B as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

All injection products:

Injection (if given into the spine):

What are some other side effects of Polymyxin B?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Polymyxin B?

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Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.