Polymyxin B is an antibiotic that is commonly administered as a medicated eye drop or topical ointment.
Ophthalmic polymyxin B is used in conjunction with other drugs for the treatment of bacterial eye infections.
Common forms of bacterial eye infections polymyxin is used to treat include:
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis): Pink eye may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or an allergic response. Newborns may experience pink eye caused by an incompletely opened tear duct. Pink eye symptoms include red and watery eyes, itchiness, excessive tearing, and discharge from the eye.
- Blepharitis: Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelid commonly caused by infection or clogged pores. This inflammation leads to swelling in the eyelid, watery eyes, burning in the eyes, sensitivity to light, and other symptoms.
Topical polymyxin B is used in conjunction with other drugs for the treatment of bacterial skin infections.
Common forms of bacterial skin infections that topical polymyxin B is used to treat include:
- Cellulitis: A potentially life-threatening infection caused by the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus (strep) bacteria. Cellulitis results in red, painful, and inflamed skin. Cellulitis doesn’t transfer from person to person but can spread across the body.
- Impetigo: A mild skin infection that commonly affects young children (younger than 12). Impetigo results in sores on the skin that cluster around the nose and mouth. This infection is highly contagious but produces mild symptoms.
- Boils: Also known as furuncles, boils are bacterial infections of hair follicles. Bacteria enter the skin through an opening of the skin and affect the tissue around a hair follicle. This results in a painful raised bump around the infected follicle.