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Polymyxin B

Polymyxin B Sulfate · Injection, Powder, for Solution

Prescription ANDA TE AP Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Polymyxin B
Generic name
Polymyxin B Sulfate
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, for Solution
Route
Intramuscular
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
3
Packages
5
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Polymyxin B Sulfate 500000 [USP'U]/1 204602 View
Polymyxin B Sulfate 500000 [iU]/1 204602 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection, Powder, for Solution
Route of administration
Intramuscular
Presentations
8

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Polymyxin-class Antibacterial [EPC] EPC All 55 members
Polymyxins [CS] CS All 55 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
202766
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
January 15, 2014
Sponsor
XELLIA PHARMS APS
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
3
Products approved under application 202766.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
202766-001 POLYMYXIN B SULFATE INJECTABLE POLYMYXIN B SULFATE Prescription AP RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AP
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 202766.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 11 Labeling Approved July 3, 2025 Standard
Supplement 6 Labeling Approved June 12, 2024 Standard
Original application 1 Approved January 15, 2014 —

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260622). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260622 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250523 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20220428

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING CAUTION: WHEN THIS DRUG IS GIVEN INTRAMUSCULARLY AND/OR INTRATHECALLY, IT SHOULD BE GIVEN ONLY TO HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE CONSTANT SUPERVISION BY A PHYSICIAN. RENAL FUNCTION SHOULD BE CAREFULLY DETERMINED AND PATIENTS WITH RENAL DAMAGE AND NITROGEN RETENTION SHOULD HAVE REDUCED DOSAGE. PATIENTS WITH NEPHROTOXICITY DUE TO POLYMYXIN B SULFATE USUALLY SHOW ALBUMINURIA, CELLULAR CASTS, AND AZOTEMIA. DIMINISHING URINE OUTPUT AND A RISING BUN ARE INDICATIONS FOR DISCONTINUING THERAPY WITH THIS DRUG. NEUOROTOXIC REACTIONS MAY BE MANIFESTED BY IRRITABILITY, WEAKNESS, DROWSINESS, ATAXIA, PERIORAL PARESTHESIA, NUMBNESS OF THE EXTREMITIES, AND BLURRING OF VISION. THESE ARE USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH SERUM LEVELS FOUND IN PATIENTS WITH IMPAIRED RENAL FUNCTION AND/OR NEPHROTOXICITY. THE CONCURRENT OR SEQUENTIAL USE OF OTHER NEUROTOXIC AND/OR NEPHROTOXIC DRUGS WITH POLYMYXIN B SULFATE, PARTICULARLY BACITRACIN, STREPTOMYCIN, NEOMYCIN, KANAMYCIN, GENTAMICIN, TOBRAMYCIN, AMIKACIN, CEPHALORIDINE, PAROMOMYCIN, VIOMYCIN, AND COLISTIN SHOULD BE AVOIDED. THE NEUROTOXICITY OF POLYMYXIN B SULFATE CAN RESULT IN RESPIRATORY PARALYSIS FROM NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCKADE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE DRUG IS GIVEN SOON AFTER ANESTHESIA AND/OR MUSCLE RELAXANTS. USAGE IN PREGNANCY: THE SAFETY OF THIS DRUG IN HUMAN PREGNANCY HAS NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED.

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Acute Infections Caused by Susceptible Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Polymyxin B sulfate is a drug of choice in the treatment of infections of the urinary tract, meninges, and bloodstream caused by susceptible strains of Ps. aeruginosa. It may also be used topically and subconjunctivally in the treatment of infections of the eye caused by susceptible strains of Ps. aeruginosa . It may be indicated in serious infections caused by susceptible strains of the following organisms, when less potentially toxic drugs are ineffective or contraindicated: H influenzae , specifically meningeal infections. Escherichia coli , specifically urinary tract infections. Aerobacter aerogenes , specifically bacteremia. Klebsiella pneumoniae , specifically bacteremia. NOTE: IN MENINGEAL INFECTIONS, POLYMYXIN B SULFATE SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED ONLY BY THE INTRATHECAL ROUTE. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of polymyxin B and other antibacterial drugs, polymyxin B should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION PARENTERAL: Intravenous. Dissolve 500,000 polymyxin B units in 300 to 500 mL solutions for parenteral 5% Dextrose Injection for continuous drip. Adults and children. 15,000 to 25,000 units/kg body weight/day in individuals with normal kidney function. This amount should be reduced from 15,000 units/kg downward for individuals with kidney impairment. Infusions may be given every 12 hours; however, the total daily dose must not exceed 25,000 units/kg/day. Infants. Infants with normal kidney function may receive up to 40,000 units/kg/day without adverse effects. Intramuscular. Not recommended routinely because of severe pain at injection sites, particularly in infants and children. Dissolve 500,000 Polymyxin B units in 2 mL Sterile Water for Injection or 0.9 % Sodium Chloride Injection or Procaine Hydrochloride Injection 1%. Adults and children. 25,000 to 30,000 units/kg/day. This should be reduced in the presence of renal impairment. The dosage may be divided and given at either 4 or 6 hour intervals. Infants. Infants with normal kidney function may receive up to 40,000 units/kg/day without adverse effects. Note: Doses as high as 45,000 units/kg/day have been used in limited clinical studies in treating prematures and newborn infants for sepsis caused by Ps aeruginosa. Intrathecal . A treatment of choice for Ps aeruginosa meningitis. Dissolve 500,000 polymyxin B units in 10 mL 0.9 % Sodium Chloride Injection USP for 50,000 units per mL dosage unit. Adults and children over 2 years of age. Dosage is 50,000 units once daily intrathecally for 3 to 4 days, then 50,000 units once every other day for at least 2 weeks after cultures of the cerebrospinal fluid are negative and sugar content has returned to normal. Children under 2 years of age. 20,000 units once daily, intrathecally for 3 to 4 days or 25,000 units once every other day. Continue with a dose of 25,000 units once every other day for at least 2 weeks after cultures of the cerebrospinal fluid are negative and sugar content has returned to normal. IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY, SOLUTIONS OF PARENTERAL USE SHOULD BE STORED UNDER REFRIGERATION, AND ANY UNUSED PORTIONS SHOULD BE DISCARDED AFTER 72 HOURS. TOPICAL: Ophthalmic . Dissolve 500,000 polymyxin B units in 20 to 50 mL sterile water for injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection, USP for a 10,000 to 25,000 units per mL concentration. For the treatment of Ps aeruginosa infections of the eye, a concentration of 0.1 percent to 0.25 percent (10,000 units to 25,000 units per mL) is administered 1 to 3 drops every hour, increasing the intervals as response indicates. Subconjunctival injection of up to 100,000 units/day may be used for the treatment of Ps aeruginosa infections of the cornea and conjunctiva. Note: Avoid total systemic and ophthalmic instillation over 25,000 units/kg/day.

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

CONTRAINDICATIONS This drug is contraindicated in persons with a prior history of hypersensitivity reactions to polymyxins.

WARNINGS Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Polymyxin B for Injection, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated. Electrolyte and Acid/Base Abnormalities Postmarketing cases of renal tubulopathy (i.e., Pseudo-Bartter syndrome) have been identified with the use of intravenous polymyxins, including polymyxin B (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). All cases reported hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Other common findings included hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, increased potassium in the urine, normal serum creatinine, and normal blood pressure. Consider electrolyte monitoring during treatment. Normalization of electrolyte abnormalities may require drug discontinuation.

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

ADVERSE REACTIONS See WARNING box. Nephrotoxic reactions Albuminuria, cylinduria, azotemia, and rising blood levels without any increase in dosage. Renal system reactions electrolyte and acid/base abnormalities (i.e.,Pseudo-Bartter syndrome) Neurotoxic reactions Facial flushing, dizziness progressing to ataxia, drowsiness, peripheral paresthesias (circumoral and stocking glove), apnea due to concurrent use of curariform muscle relaxants, other neurotoxic drugs or inadvertent overdosage, and signs of meningeal irritation with intrathecal administration, e.g., fever, headache, stiff neck and increased cell count and protein cerebrospinal fluid. Other reactions occasionally reported Drug fever, urticarial rash, pain (severe) at intramuscular injection sites, and thrombophlebitis at intravenous injection sites. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Xellia Pharmaceuticals Inc at safety@xellia.com or 1-833-295-6953, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION Polymyxin B for Injection, USP is one of a group of basic polypeptide antibiotics derived from B polymyxa (B aerosporous) . Polymyxin B sulfate is the sulfate salt of Polymyxins B 1 and B 2 , which are produced by the growth of Bacillus polymyxa (Prazmowski) Migula (Fam. Bacillacea). It has a potency of not less than 6000 polymyxin B units per mg, calculated on the anhydrous basis. The structural formulae are: Each vial contains Polymyxin B Sulfate equivalent to 500,000 polymyxin B units for parenteral or ophthalmic administration. Polymyxin B for Injection, USP is in powder form suitable for preparation of sterile solutions for intramuscular, intravenous drip, intrathecal, or ophthalmic use. In the medical literature, dosages have frequently been given in terms of equivalent weights of pure polymyxin B base. Each milligram of pure polymyxin B base is equivalent to 10,000 units of polymyxin B and each microgram of pure polymyxin B base is equivalent to 10 units of polymyxin B. Aqueous solutions of polymyxin B sulfate may be stored up to 12 months without significant loss of potency if kept under refrigeration. In the interest of safety, solutions for parenteral use should be stored under refrigeration and any unused portion should be discarded after 72 hours. Polymyxin B sulfate should not be stored in alkaline solutions since they are less stable. structural formula

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

HOW SUPPLIED Polymyxin B for Injection , USP 500,000 polymyxin B units per vial is supplied in rubber-stoppered glass vial with flip off cap, carton of 10, NDC 0143-9941-10. Storage recommendations: Before reconstitution: Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Retain in carton until time of use. After reconstitution: Product must be stored under refrigeration, between 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) and any unused portion should be discarded after 72 hours. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1-877-845-0689, or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . For Product Inquiry call 1-877-845-0689. Manufactured by: HIKMA FARMACÊUTICA (PORTUGAL), S.A. Estrada do Rio da Mó, 8, 8A e 8B – Fervença – 2705-906 Terrugem SNT, PORTUGAL Distributed by: Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 Revised September 2020 PIN472-WES/3

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
4,875
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: POLYMYXIN B SULFATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0143-9461-01 0143-9461 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 1 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (0143-9461-01) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL, GLASS September 30, 2025
0143-9461-10 0143-9461 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (0143-9461-10) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL, GLASS September 30, 2025
0143-9941-10 0143-9941 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. 10 VIAL in 1 CARTON (0143-9941-10) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL (0143-9941-01) June 1, 1998
70594-049-01 70594-049 Xellia Pharmaceuticals USA LLC 1 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (70594-049-01) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL, GLASS October 1, 2018
70594-049-02 70594-049 Xellia Pharmaceuticals USA LLC 10 VIAL, GLASS in 1 CARTON (70594-049-02) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL, GLASS October 1, 2018
0143-9461 0143-9461 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. — September 30, 2025
0143-9941 0143-9941 Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. — June 1, 1998
70594-049 70594-049 Xellia Pharmaceuticals USA LLC — October 1, 2018

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.