What are polymyxins?

Polymyxins are antibiotics used for selective treatment of gram -negative bacterial infections. They work by binding a structure called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is present in the membrane of external cells of gram -negative bacteria. Polymyxins consist of a cyclic peptide that has a long hydrophobic tail, which is the key to disrupting the membranes of internal and external cells. Their mechanism of action is similar to the mechanism of surface active substances or detergents. Increasing antimicrobial resistance, neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity cause the polymyxins of the last line of the reagent that are only used when other antibiotics do not work or contraindicated.

There are different drugs that are classified as polymyxins. These drugs that are produced by a gram-positive bacterium called bacillus polymyxa include polymyxin B, polymyxin E or colistin and polymyxin m or matacin. Polymyxin B is combined with two other antibiotics called neomycin and bacitracin zinc per vAvoiding antimicrobial ophthalmic ointments for the treatment of keratitis, conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctitis, bleparitis and bleparoconjunctitis. This drug is also used as an injection for serious and medicinal infections. Enterobacteriaceae resistant to multiple drugs that have metallo-beta-lactamase is also sensitive to polymyxin E. Polymyxin M is a narrow spectral antibiotic used to treat gastrointestinal infections such as dysenteria and enterocorritis as well A/P>/P>/Enterocotis.

All types of polymyxins are relatively nephrotoxic and neurotoxic, which means that they can damage the kidneys and nerves, and are therefore mostly used as the last medicines. Neurotoxic reactions include weakness, drowsiness, irritability, paresthesia, numbness and blurring vision. Nephrotoxic reactions include cellular castings and albuminuria or albumin in the urine. Azotemia may also occuror elevated levels of nitrogen -containing compounds such as urea and creatinine in the blood. That is why monitoring of kidney function is necessary in patients who use these antibiotics.

When polymyxins are used for a longer period of time, bacterial or fungal infections are overlapped, called opportunistic infections. One example is candidiasis caused by Candida Albicans. Symptoms of this type of infection include whitish vaginal discharge or white spots in the oral mucosa.

polymyxins are poorly absorbed in the oral. Other administration routes, such as intravenous injection or inhalation, are used. Polymyxins are produced by bacteria, so these drugs can also cause allergic reactions. Symptoms of mild allergies include hives and itching and serious allergic reactions include dizziness and difficult breathing. If they occur, immediate medical intervention and interruption of the drug are required.