Polymyxin B
Active ingredient · 5 therapeutic classes
Sold as OPTIMYXIN · POLYSPORIN COMPLETE · POLYSPORIN FOR KIDS · POLYSPORIN PLUS PAIN…
- Drug class
- Antibiotics
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Intramuscular, Intrathecal, Intravenous, Ophthalmic, Otic
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 13
Overview
Polymyxin B is an active pharmaceutical ingredient in the Antibiotics group (A07AA). The information below is compiled per regulator from the product labels on record, with direct links to the original documents.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| US United States | FDA | 1 | April 28, 2022 |
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 1 | February 20, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 11 | April 28, 2026 |
USUnited States· FDA
1 product
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Acute Infections Caused by Susceptible Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Polymyxin B sulfate is a drug of choice in the treatment of infections of the urinary tract, meninges, and bloodstream caused by susceptible strains of Ps. aeruginosa.
It may also be used topically and subconjunctivally in the treatment of infections of the eye caused by susceptible strains of Ps. aeruginosa . It may be indicated in serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the following organisms, when less potentially toxic drugs are ineffective or contraindicated: H influenzae , specifically meningeal infections.
Escherichia coli , specifically urinary tract infections. Aerobacter aerogenes , specifically bacteremia. Klebsiella pneumoniae , specifically bacteremia.
NOTE:
IN MENINGEAL INFECTIONS, POLYMYXIN B SULFATE SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED ONLY BY THE INTRATHECAL ROUTE. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of polymyxin B and other antibacterial drugs, polymyxin B should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
1 product
Uses
MAXITROL eye ointment is indicated for the short-term treatment of steroid responsive conditions of the eye when prophylactic antibiotic treatment is also required, after excluding the presence of fungal and viral disease.
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
11 products
11 products on record with this regulator. Detailed label text (uses, dosage, side effects) is being ingested — the original document is linked under Sources [3].
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Polymyxin B. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]FDA DailyMed · 18daf0d1-b6f5-46… · revised April 28, 2022 [PDF]
- [2]MHRA (UK) · PL001011001 · revised February 20, 2026
- [3]Health Canada (DPD) · 00621366 · revised March 22, 2025
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.