Sometimes, the diseases we suffer from may not be cured by ordinary medicines. Especially in the case of more serious bacterial infections, doctors have to use stronger antibiotics. So when the doctor prescribes a medicine called "Polymyxin B" for you or someone in your family, it is very normal to feel a little curious and perhaps even nervous about it. Today, let's talk about what Polymyxin B is, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What is Polymyxin B?
Simply put, Polymyxin B is a very powerful antibiotic. It belongs to the class of drugs called "polymyxins." Its main function is to destroy some dangerous bacteria that enter our bodies and cause diseases.
It is important to remember that this medicine only works for bacterial infections. It has no effect on viral infections such as the common cold, flu, and cough. Therefore, it should only be used if prescribed by a doctor and exactly as he or she tells you.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease, tell us about it first, because this medicine is excreted from the body through the kidneys.
- Lung disease: If there is any problem with the lungs, please inform us.
- Muscle weakness: This is very important information if you have a neuromuscular disease like Myasthenia Gravis.
- Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to Polymyxin B, other antibiotics, any other medicine, food, or dye in the past, you should disclose it.
- Pregnancy or expecting a baby: If you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon, inform your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, be sure to mention that as well.
It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor without hiding this information.
How do you enter this medicine into the body?
This is not a pill that you can take at home. Polymyxin B is a medicine that is usually only given in a hospital, by a doctor or trained nursing staff. This is because of the way it is given into the body and the need to carefully monitor the patient during that time.
There are several ways to give this medicine:
- Intravenous (IV): Administered into the body through a vein, such as saline.
- Intramuscular (IM): Injection into a deep muscle, such as the shoulder or buttock.
- Intrathecal: In very serious cases, such as meningitis, injections are made directly into the spinal fluid by specialist doctors.
- In the eye: As special eye drops for eye infections.
- For skin washing (Irrigation solution): Sometimes, to control infections in wounds or burns, this medicine is mixed with a liquid and used to wash the wounds.
However, this is only given on the advice of a doctor.
Can this medicine be given to small children?
Yes. Sometimes, children also need to be given this medicine. But it requires special care. The dosage given varies depending on the child's weight, age, and medical condition. So, talk to your child's pediatrician about this carefully.
What to do if you overdose?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed, report it to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately . Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with Polymyxin B
If you are taking any other medications, it is important to tell your doctor about all of them. Some medications can interact with Polymyxin B, causing side effects or increasing the effectiveness of the medication. Below are some of the medications that can interact with Polymyxin B.
| Type of medicine | Examples and notes |
|---|---|
| Anesthetics | Anesthetic drugs used in surgery. |
| Some other antibiotics | For example: Amikacin, Gentamicin, Colistin, Tobramycin, Vancomycin. These can also affect the kidneys, so the risk is higher. |
| Muscle relaxants | Medicines given to relax muscles during surgery or other situations. |
| Some diuretics | Medicines given to reduce the amount of water in the body. |
| Other medications and supplements | Also tell your doctor about any herbs, Sinhala/Ayurvedic medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. |
The important thing is that this list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, over-the-counter medications, and even vitamins .
Should we also be aware of the side effects?
Like any medicine, Polymyxin B can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. It is important to be aware of these so that you can take action quickly if any symptoms occur.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or nurse immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. These can be very serious. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, shortness of breath. |
| Nervous system changes | Dizziness , confusion, blurred vision, loss of balance. |
| Muscle weakness | Feeling of lifelessness and heaviness in the limbs. |
| Urinary problems | Pain, difficulty, or decreased urination. This may be a sign of kidney damage. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, pain, or swelling where the injection was given. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Polymyxin B is a powerful antibiotic used only for serious bacterial infections . It does not work against viral infections.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all other medical conditions you have (especially kidney disease) and all other medicines you are taking .
- This is a medication that is usually given by a medical professional in a hospital. It is very important to take the full course of medication as prescribed by the doctor.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or severe dizziness , seek medical advice immediately .
- If you have any questions, concerns, or fears about this medication, don't keep it to yourself, but talk openly with your doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What kind of diseases are Gentamicin Eye Drops used for? What is its relationship with Polymyxin?
'Gentamicin' is a very strong antibiotic. Gentamicin Eye Drops are used in the eyes when a bacterial infection has entered the eye, causing redness, tearing, and a severe infection (Bacterial Conjunctivitis). 'Polymyxin B', which you mentioned in your article, is also another antibiotic used for severe bacterial infections. Sometimes these two antibiotics are combined together and given as eye drops to kill more powerful bacteria (Ophthalmic combinations).
💬 Is it safe for me to just go to the pharmacy and ask for Gentamicin Eye Drops and put them in my eyes?
Never do that! You don't know if your red eye is due to a viral infection, bacteria, or an allergy. Applying Gentamicin (anti-bacterial) to a virus won't help. And if you continue to use these without medical advice, you can damage the cornea and even lose your vision forever (Blindness)!
💬 What are the dangerous 'Red Flags' that require you to stop using Gentamicin eye drops immediately and run to a doctor?
It is normal to experience eye irritation for about a minute after applying the medicine. But the biggest danger! 1) If the eye becomes extremely swollen and red after applying these drops (Severe allergic reaction), 2) If the eye hurts so much that you can't look at the light, 3) If your vision suddenly becomes blurry (Sudden blurred vision), you should immediately stop the medicine and go to the hospital's eye unit/emergency department!
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