polymyxin

polymyxin /poly·myx·in/ (-mik´sin) generic term for antibiotics derived from Bacillus polymyxa; they are differentiated by affixing different letters of the alphabet.

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polymyxin B  the least toxic of the polymyxins; its sulfate is used in the treatment of various gram-negative infections.

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pol·y·myx·in (pl-mksn)

n.

Any of various mainly toxic antibiotics derived from strains of the soil bacterium Bacillus polymyxa and used to treat various infections with gram-negative bacteria.

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polymyxin (pol´ēmik´sin),

n an antibiotic substance derived from cultures of
B. polymyxa. Used topically, in troche form, in combination with bacitracin and neomycin in the treatment of various oral infections. Not used systemically; therefore sensitization is minimized. Systemic use may be attended by renal dysfunction and toxicity.

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polymyxin

a generic term for antibiotics derived from various strains of Bacillus polymyxa, several closely related compounds being designated by letters.

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polymyxin B

a bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotic, effective mainly against gram-negative organisms. It is used as the sulfate salt, and is especially effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is also used against Klebsiella spp. It is used mostly in combinations with other antibiotics as a topical dressing including ophthalmic and aural preparations. It is not absorbed from the alimentary tract and is not recommended for systemic use because of its nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity.

polymyxin E

see colistin.