Polymyxin B (Polymyxin B Sulfate) Drug Information: Clinical Pharmacology

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May 27, 2012

Polymyxin B

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Encephalitis and meningitis facts

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (called meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis should see a doctor immediately.

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. There are many types of encephalitis, most of which are caused by infections. Most often these infections are caused by viruses. In addition to infections, encephalitis can also be caused by certain diseases that result in an inflammation of the brain.

What are encephalitis symptoms and signs?

The signs and symptoms of encephalitis can range from very mild symptoms to potentially life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of encephalitis include sudden fever, headache, vomiting, visual sensitivity to light, stiff neck an...

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Polymyxin B

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CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Polymyxin B (polymyxin b sulfate) sulfate has a bactericidal action against almost all gram-negative bacilli except the Proteus group. Polymyxins increase the permeability of bacterial cell wall membranes. All gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and the gram-negative cocci, N gonorrhoeae and N meningitidis, are resistant.

Susceptibility plate testing: If the Kirby-Bauer method of disc susceptibility testing is used, a 300-unit polymyxin B (polymyxin b sulfate) disc should give a zone of over 11 mm when tested against a polymyxin B susceptible bacterial strain.

Polymyxin B (polymyxin b sulfate) sulfate is not absorbed from the normal alimentary tract.Since the drug loses 50 percent of its activity in the presence of serum, active blood levels are low. Repeated injections may give a cumulative effect. Levels tend to be higher in infants and children.The drug is excreted slowly by the kidneys.Tissue diffusion is poor and the drug does not pass the blood brain barrier into the cerebrospinal fluid. In therapeutic dosage, polymyxin B (polymyxin b sulfate) sulfate causes some nephrotoxicity with tubule damage to a slight degree.

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.