Polykris (Polymyxin-B): All you need to know about

Introduction: Polymyxin-B is an antibiotic drug, comes under the branded generic name Polykris. Polykris is marketed by Ikris Pharma (Pharmaceutical Wholesaler). Polykris is introduced for the treatment of meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and sepsis. It is effective for several Gram-negative infections. Although, it is ineffective for Gram-positive infections. Polykris contains a Lyophilized form of polymyxin b sulphate as an active ingredient. 

Indications for Use: Polymyxin-B sulfate is a drug of choice to treat infections of the urinary tract, meninges, and bloodstream caused by susceptible strains of Ps. aeruginosa.

This medication may also be used topically and subconjunctivally to treat infections of the eye caused by susceptible strains of Ps. aeruginosa.

The polymyxin b sulphate may be used in serious infections caused by susceptible strains of H. influenzae, specifically in meningeal infections, Escherichia coli, specifically in urinary tract infections, Aerobacter aerogenes, specifically in bacteremia and Klebsiella pneumoniae, specifically in bacteremia, when less potentially toxic medicines are not useful or contraindicated.

Dosage and Administration: Dosage and administration information for polymyxin B USP 500000 IU (Polykris) varies widely depending on the reference used. It should be used as directed by a healthcare professional. 

Intravenous (children, adults):

• 15,000 to 25,000 units/kg/day (normal renal function)
• 15,000 units/kg/day (renal impairment)
• Total daily polymyxin-b dose not to exceed 25,000 units/kg/day

Intravenous (adults):

• 12,500 to 15,000 units per kg (TBW) administered over one hour every 12 hours. 
• No dose adjustments are required in patients with renal impairment. 
• Total daily polymyxin-b dose: 30,000 units/kg/day.

Side Effects: The commonly noted side effects of polymyxin b when used by injection include kidney problems, neurological problems, fever, itchiness, and rash. Injections into muscles may result in significant pain. Other serious side effects of polymyxin may include anaphylaxis, fungal infections, and muscle weakness. It is not clear if the use of this drug during pregnancy is safe for the fetus.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Polymyxin-B injection need to be used where sensitivity suggests more commonly used systemic antibacterial agents may be contraindicated or ineffective due to bacterial resistance.
• Polymyxin Injection, if prescribed for intravenous, intramuscular or intrathecal administration, needs to used only in hospitalized patients under precise monitoring for kidney function as well as neurological signs/symptoms.
• In order to reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the impact of polymyxin-B sulfate and other antibacterial drugs, polymyxin-B should be considered only to treat/prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by the susceptible bacteria.
• Patients who are known to hypersensitive to polymyxins, including polymyxin B sulfate, or to any component of the container should not use this medicine. This injection is contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis.
• The concurrent/sequential administration of anaesthetic and other neurotoxic medicines needs to be avoided with Polykris treatment. The neurotoxicity of this drug can result in respiratory paralysis from neuromuscular blockade, mainly when the medicine is given soon after muscle relaxants and/or anaesthesia. In case signs of respiratory paralysis occurs, assist respiration and withdraw the medicine.
• Injection Polymyxin B sulphate is not active and therefore do not use to treat bacterial infections caused by gram-negative bacteria (Proteus spp., Morganella spp., Providencia spp., Serratia marcescens, Neisseria spp., Burkholderia spp.), all gram-positive bacteria and anaerobes.
• The intramuscular, intravenous, or intrathecal administration of Polymyxin injection should be restricted to hospitalized patients so as to provide constant clinical supervision. Do not exceed the maximum dosage 2.5 mg/kg/day or a total of 200 mg/day in patients with normal renal function.

Contraindications: The polymyxin b injection USP is contraindicated in recipients with a prior history of hypersensitivity reactions to it.

Drug Interactions:

Use of neuromuscular blockers (curariform muscle relaxants) and neurotoxic medications (e.g., ether, tubocurarine, succinylcholine, gallamine, decamethonium, sodium citrate) is not recommended. 

Do not use concomitant nephrotoxic drugs when feasible (calcineurin inhibitors, IV contrast, vasopressors, loop diuretics, aminoglycosides, ACEI, NSAID, vancomycin, rifampin). 

How Supplied: Polykris (polymyxin antibiotic) is generally supplied as 500,000 units, powder for injection. 

Storage: Before the reconstitution, store it at controlled room temperature 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Protect from light. Retain in carton until time of use.

Following the reconstitution, polymyxin b sulfate must be stored under refrigeration, between 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). And any unused portion is discarded after 72 hours.

Cost: A patient weighing between 70 kg to 100 kg and receiving a dose of 30,000 units/kg/day would use 5-6 vials of polymyxin B sulfate, which would cost reasonably not expensive. To know the polymyxin b injection price (Polykris) for a 500MU vial, please get in touch with Ikris Pharma immediately. Furthermore, One can reach out to us by either calling our Toll-Free Number: 18008891064 or sending a WhatsApp message to +91 8130290915.

Note: The piece of information provided about "Polykris (Polymyxin-B): All you need to know about" in this article is just for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis, of a qualified doctor.