Dangerous Drug: Polymyxin B sulfate(pol i mix’ in)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Class
Antibiotic
Therapeutic Actions
Indications
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Acute infections caused by susceptible strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Aerobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae when less toxic drugs are ineffective or contraindicated
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Intrathecal: Meningeal infections caused by P. aeruginosa
Contraindications and Cautions
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Contraindicated with allergy to polymyxins (polymyxin B, colistin, colistimethate).
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Use cautiously with renal disease, pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Injection—500,000 units/vial
Dosages
Adults
IV
15,000–25,000 units/kg/day IV may be given every 12 hr. Do not exceed 25,000 units/kg/day.
IM
25,000–30,000 units/kg/day IM divided and given at 4- to 6-hr intervals.
Intrathecal
50,000 units once daily for 3–4 days; then 50,000 units every other day for at least 2 wk after cultures of CSF are negative, and glucose content is normal.
Pediatric patients
IV
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Infants: Up to 40,000 units/kg/day IV.
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Older than 2 yr: Use adult dosage.
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IM
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Infants: Up to 40,000 units/kg/day IM; doses as high as 45,000 units/kg/day have been used in cases of sepsis caused by P. aeruginosa.
Older than 2 yr: Use adult dosage.
Intrathecal
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Younger than 2 yr: 20,000 units once daily for 3–4 days or 25,000 units once every other day. Continue with 25,000 units once every other day for at least 2 wk after cultures of CSF are negative and glucose content is normal.
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