Basic polypeptide antibiotic group obtained from Bacillus polymyxa. They affect the cell membrane by detergent action and may cause neuromuscular and kidney damage. At least eleven different members of the polymyxin group have been identified, each designated by a letter.
Narrow spectrum bactericidal antibiotic active against Gram-negative bacilli, including particularly Pseudomonas, but excluding proteus; inactive against all Gram-positive organisms and the Gram-negative cocci. The drug is produced from Bacillus polymyxa, a spore-bearing soil aerobe. Of 5 polymyxins isolated, only 2—Polymyxin ‘B’ and Polymyxin ‘E’—are used pharmacologically. Polymyxin ‘E’ is identical with colistin, and is issued commercially as colistin sulphate (Colomycin) for oral use, or colistin sulphomethate sodium (Colomycin injection) for parenteral use. Polymyxin ‘B’ sulphate (Aerosporin) is available for oral or parenteral injection, and Thiosporin (sulphomyxin sodium) for parenteral use.
Antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. Adverse effects include allergic skin reactions and kidney damage.
A group of antibiotics derived from various species of Bacillus polymyxa. One variety, colistin, is used to sterilise the bowels before surgery as it is not absorbed when given by mouth. The drugs are sometimes used in topical applications for infections of the skin, eye and ear.