Polymyxin B Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 4, 2025.

Applies to polymyxin b: injection powder for solution.

Serious side effects of polymyxin b

Along with its needed effects, polymyxin b may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking polymyxin b:

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

Other side effects of polymyxin b

Some side effects of polymyxin b may occur 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 be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or 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

For healthcare professionals

Applies to polymyxin b: compounding powder, injectable powder for injection.

Renal adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Nephrotoxic reactions (including albuminuria, cylindruria, azotemia)^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Rising blood levels with no increase in dose, drug fever^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Neurotoxic reactions (including facial flushing, dizziness progressing to ataxia, drowsiness, peripheral paresthesias [circumoral, feet, hands), signs of meningeal irritation with intrathecal administration [e.g., fever, headache, stiff neck, increased cerebrospinal fluid cell count, increased cerebrospinal fluid protein])^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Apnea^[Ref]

Apnea due to coadministration with curariform muscle relaxants, other neurotoxic agents, or inadvertent overdosage has been reported.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Urticarial rash^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: IM injection site pain, IV injection site thrombophlebitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea

Frequently asked questions

• How long does it take for neomycin, polymyxin b and hydrocortisone ear drops to work?
• Can I use expired neomycin and polymyxin b sulfates, dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Further information

Polymyxin b side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer