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Polymyxins WHO AWaRe: Reserve Reported shortage Prescription only

Polymyxin B — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies

Compare real Polymyxin B prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives.

Drug class
Polymyxins
Common forms
Injectable (reconstituted)
Generic available
Yes
Legal status
Prescription only
AWaRe category
Reserve — last-resort option for confirmed multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections
Notable risk
Nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, similar to colistin

What is the typical out-of-pocket cost for Polymyxin B Sulfate without insurance coverage?

Without insurance, Polymyxin B Sulfate generally costs around $33.00 or higher at most retail pharmacies, depending on the specific dosage and location. Many patients are able to reduce this expense significantly by using manufacturer coupons, pharmacy discount programs, or by comparing prices across different pharmacy chains in their area.

How much will I pay for Polymyxin B Sulfate if I have health insurance?

Your out-of-pocket expense for Polymyxin B Sulfate varies based on your individual insurance plan's formulary, your specific copay tier, and your deductible status. To determine your exact cost, contact your insurance company directly or check your plan's online pharmacy tool. Many insurers also allow you to compare copays across different pharmacies before filling your prescription.

Is Polymyxin B Sulfate covered by Medicare, and what will my cost be?

Polymyxin B Sulfate is generally covered under Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and many Medicare Advantage plans. Your copay will depend on your specific plan's formulary tier and your current coverage stage (deductible, initial coverage, coverage gap, or catastrophic). To find your exact copay amount, review your plan documents or contact your Medicare plan provider. Comparing pharmacy options can also help you find the lowest available price.

Polymyxin B prices at US pharmacies

(Polymyxin B Sulfate) — solution reconstituted, 500000unit, qty 1

PharmacyRetail priceWith discount card
Walgreens Lowest $11.07 $8.07
CVS Pharmacy $16.55 $13.55
Kroger Pharmacy $17.02 $14.02
Harris Teeter Pharmacy $17.02 $14.02
Walmart Neighborhood Market $21.00 $18.00
Walmart Pharmacy $21.00 $18.00
Publix $23.08 $20.08

Polymyxin B prices at Canadian pharmacies

No Canadian pharmacy pricing was found for Polymyxin B in our latest data pull.

Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.

What is Polymyxin B used for?

Polymyxin B sulfate is a standalone antibiotic — not to be confused with combination products like polymyxin B-trimethoprim (Polytrim) eye drops, which pair it with a second drug. On its own, polymyxin B for injection is reserved for serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, when other antibiotics aren't options. It's chemically related to colistin (polymyxin E) and shares that drug's core mechanism and its core problem: real nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity risk, which is why it's used only when the infecting organism has been shown to be resistant to safer alternatives.

Because of that toxicity profile, polymyxin B for injection sits in WHO's Reserve AWaRe category — the "last resort" tier meant for infections where standard treatment has already failed. Kidney function is monitored closely during systemic therapy, and dosing is adjusted carefully since the margin between an effective dose and a toxic one is narrower than with most other antibiotics. Neurotoxic effects can include dizziness, weakness, and, less commonly, respiratory difficulty from neuromuscular blockade, particularly at higher doses or in patients with kidney impairment where the drug can accumulate.

Polymyxin B sulfate is also formulated into various topical and ophthalmic combination products (paired with bacitracin, neomycin, or trimethoprim) for skin and eye infections — those combination products carry a much lower systemic exposure and correspondingly fewer of the concerns that apply to IV polymyxin B for serious systemic infections.

Available forms

solution reconstituted

Related & alternative drugs

Commonly used for

Warnings & interactions

This is a summary of the official FDA label text, not personalized medical advice. It does not list every possible interaction or side effect. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.

Common, usually mild

  • Nausea or dizziness
  • Injection site irritation
  • Numbness or tingling

Serious — seek care promptly

  • Signs of kidney injury (decreased urination, unusual fatigue)
  • Muscle weakness or difficulty breathing (neuromuscular blockade)
  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction

Warnings

Warnings For External Use Only Do not use • In the eyes or apply over large areas of the body • If you are allergic to any of the ingredients • Longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor Ask a doctor before use if You have deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns Stop use and ask a doctor if • The condition persists or gets worse • A rash or other allergic reaction develops Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.

Polymyxin B, by the numbers

Additional public data points beyond retail pricing — useful context, not a price quote.

$38.5M
Medicare Part D spend, 2024
1.6M
Medicare Part D claims, 2024
33
FDA-listed manufacturers (Orange Book)
$45.95
Federal (VA) contract price per pack (10ML)

Frequently asked questions

How much does Polymyxin B cost without insurance?
Retail (no-insurance) prices we found for Polymyxin B range up to about $23.08 depending on pharmacy, form, and quantity. With a free pharmacy discount card, the lowest price we found was $8.07. Your actual price depends on the exact strength, quantity, and pharmacy — see the tables above.
Is there a generic version of Polymyxin B?
Yes — our pricing data includes at least one generic listing for Polymyxin B. Generics contain the same active ingredient and are typically the lowest-cost option; check the price tables above for the generic rows specifically.
Is Polymyxin B currently in shortage?
As of our 2026-06-01 snapshot, Bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment was listed as in shortage (openFDA live API (api.fda.gov/drug/shortages)). Availability can change quickly and vary by pharmacy — call ahead, and see our shortage tracker for the latest snapshot.
What drug class is Polymyxin B in?
Polymyxin B belongs to the polymyxins class of antibiotics. WHO classifies it as an 'Reserve' antibiotic under its AWaRe stewardship framework.

Sources

Page info

Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.