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Case Reports
. 2023 Dec 27;31(1):66-67.
doi: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2023-003786.

Polymyxin B-related neurotoxicity: a brief case report

Izgi Bayraktar  1 , Burcin Halacli  2 , Kutay Demirkan  3 , Arzu Topeli  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Polymyxin B-related neurotoxicity: a brief case report

Izgi Bayraktar et al. Eur J Hosp Pharm. .

Abstract

Polymyxin B and colistin are considered the last therapeutic option to treat infections caused by highly drug-resistant bacteria. However, their administration may lead to various adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and allergic reactions. The current case report presents the clinical manifestation of polymyxin B-associated neurotoxicity in a female patient with no chronic illness history. The patient was rescued from under rubble during an earthquake. She was diagnosed with an intra-abdominal infection caused by Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) After the initiation of the polymyxin B infusion, the patient developed numbness and tingling sensations in her hands, face, and head. On discontinuing polymyxin B and starting colistimethate, the patient's symptoms improved. Therefore, healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential risk factors associated with neurotoxicity in patients receiving polymyxin B. On identifying such symptoms treatment should be discontinued promptly to prevent further neurological damage.

Keywords: CLINICAL MEDICINE; Case Reports; Critical Care; DRUG-RELATED SIDE EFFECTS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS; MICROBIOLOGY.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

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