infections
Polypeptides
Introduction
Polypeptides are a class of Overview of Antibiotics used to treat several types of infections. Polypeptides include the following: Bacitracin Colistin Polymyxin B Most bacteria have an outer covering (cell wall) that protects them.Bacitracinworks by preventing bacteria from forming this wall. Colistin andpolymyxin Bwork by disrupting the cell membrane underlying this wall in some bacteria. As a result, the bacteria die. is used mainly to treat Overview of Bacterial Skin Infections caused by Colistin andpolymyxin Bcommonly cause kidney damage, so they are used only for serious infections in which bacteria are resistant to all other antibiotics and no safer alternatives are available. When colistin orpolymyxin Bis used, it is given by vein (intravenously). In some cases, colistin may be inhaled through a nebulizer. Drug Drug Common Uses Common Uses Some Potential Side Effects Some Potential Side Effects Bacitracin Colistin Polymyxin B Ear, eye, or skin infections Bladder infections (polymyxin Bmay be used for bladder irrigation) Serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria that are very resistant to many other antibiotics (colistin andpolymyxin Bgiven by injection) Kidney and nerve damage (when given by injection)* * Polypeptide antibiotics are usually applied directly to the ears, skin, or eyes, but colistin andpolymyxin Bare sometimes given by injection when bacteria are resistant to all other antibiotics and no safer alternatives are available.Bacitracinis not available for injection. (See also Overview of Antibiotics .) 