EMA advises on use of lesser-used antibiotics effective against superbugs
Polymyxins have been available since the 1960s
The European Medicine Agency’s (EMA) committee for medicinal products for human use has released draft guidance on using so-called polymyxins antibiotics, which have been little used and hence still kill superbugs. These drugs, based on colistin or colistimethate sodium, have been available since the 1960s but have significant side-effects and so became little used when safer alternatives were developed.
But now, with superbugs developing resistance to commonly-used antibiotics, hospitals have started using polymyxins again – EMA’s committee has developed advice on their use when injected or inhaled as a liquid. It concluded that injections or drips be reserved for serious infections in patients with limited alternative treatment options, and given with another suitable antibiotic. Critically ill patients should be given a higher starting dose.
The committee also recommended dosing for kidney patients and children, plus patients receiving liquids injected into brain or spinal cord fluids.
Final guidance will be approved by the European Commission.