Polymyxin B injection

What is this medication?

POLYMYXIN B (pol i MIX in B) is a polymyxin antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•kidney disease

•lung disease

•myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to polymyxin B, other antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is injected into a muscle, spinal fluid, or infused through a vein by a health care professional. It can also be given in the eye. Sometimes, this medicine is mixed with an irrigation solution which is then used to treat the skin. Follow the directions of your health care professional and the prescription label. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

•anesthetics

•amikacin

•bacitracin

•birth control pills

•colistin

•gentamicin

•kanamycin

•muscle relaxants

•neomycin

•paramomycin

•some diuretics

•streptomycin

•tobramycin

•vancomycin

•verteporfin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•blurred vision

•difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

•confusion

•dizziness

•headache

•loss of balance

•muscle weakness

•pain or difficulty passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•pain, irritation, or redness at the injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

You will be instructed on how to store this medicine, if needed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.