Polimix-B

Polimix-B is a polymyxin B sulfate injection, a potent antibiotic used for treating severe, life-threatening bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria. It is considered a last-resort antibiotic, often used when other antibiotics have failed or when infections are resistant to multiple classes of drugs.

Polimyxin B acts by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane, leading to leakage of cell contents and bacterial death. It is particularly effective against bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter species — all notorious for causing serious hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and resistant infections.

Polimix-B is administered via intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital setting under strict medical supervision, often in critical care or intensive care units.

Uses of Polimix-B

✅ Severe Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections — including bloodstream infections (sepsis), pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and meningitis caused by MDR organisms
✅ Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Infections — when no other antibiotic options are effective
✅ Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) — particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia or catheter-related infections
✅ Intrathecal or Intraventricular Use — sometimes used in CNS infections under specialized protocols

Key Benefits

• Effective against resistant bacteria: A critical antibiotic for treating infections resistant to carbapenems, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides.

• Rapid bactericidal activity: Kills bacteria by targeting the cell membrane, reducing bacterial load quickly.

• Versatile administration: Can be used intravenously or, in some cases, intrathecally (into the cerebrospinal fluid) when needed.

• Essential in critical care: Often used in ICUs when dealing with life-threatening infections.

How Polimix-B Works

Polimix-B contains polymyxin B sulfate, which binds to the lipopolysaccharides and phospholipids in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. This disrupts the membrane integrity, increasing permeability, and causing cell death.

Unlike many antibiotics that target bacterial protein or DNA synthesis, polymyxins work directly on the bacterial membrane, making them highly effective against bacteria that have developed other resistance mechanisms.