SKIN, EAR AND EYE INFECTIONS DUE TO SUSCEPTIBLE ORGANISMS
Adult:
15,000-25,000 u (1.5-2.5 mg)/kg daily by IV infusion. May also be given via IM inj.
Ophthalmic
EYE INFECTIONS DUE TO SUSCEPTIBLE ORGANISMS
Adult:
As a 0.1% eye solution/ointment with neomycin and dexamethasone. Eye drops: instill 1-2 drops 4-6 times daily into the affected eye(s) in mild disease, may be used hrly in severe disease. Eye ointment: apply a small amount into the conjunctival sac(s) of the affected eye(s) up to 3-4 times daily.
Otic/Aural
EAR INFECTIONS DUE TO SUSCEPTIBLE ORGANISMS
Adult:
As an otic suspension containing 3.5 mg neomycin base, polymyxin B equivalent to 10,000 polymyxin B units and hydrocortisone 10 mg/ml of the suspension: instill 4 drops into the affected ear canal 3-4 times daily for up to 10 days.
Otic/Aural
EAR INFECTIONS DUE TO SUSCEPTIBLE ORGANISMS
Child:
As an otic suspension containing 3.5 mg neomycin base, polymyxin B equivalent to 10,000 polymyxin B units and hydrocortisone 10 mg/ml of the suspension: instill 3 drops into the affected ear canal 3-4 times daily for up to 10 days.
Parenteral
SKIN INFECTIONS
Adult:
Apply a 0.1% soln or oint onto affected area in combination with other drugs.
Precautions
Application to large areas of broken skin. Renal impairment; monitor renal function. Pregnancy, lactation. Monitor serum concentrations of polymyxins in patients receiving parenteral therapy.
Potentially Life-threatening
Adverse Drug Reactions
Dizziness, paraesthesia, muscle weakness, ataxia, confusion, drowsiness, psychoses, convulsions, coma. Neuromuscular blockade characterized by respiratory paralysis and apoea. Acute interstitial nephritis; nausea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalance. Topical: Hypersensitivity eg, macular rashes, risk of systemic toxicity if applied to large areas of broken skin. Otic: Ototoxicity, stinging and burning sensation. Ophthalmic: Hypersensitivity, itching, redness and oedema of conjunctiva and eye lid. Intrathecal: Meningeal irritation.
Adverse Drug Reactions
Nephrotoxicity (higher doses and preexisting failure), neurotoxicity; resp failure; anaphylaxis.
Interactions
May enhance action of neuromuscular blockers. Increased risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity when used with vancomycin.
