Poly-Rx topical and Xarelto

• Generic Name: polymyxin b
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

  Poly-Rx

Alternative for treatment of meningeal infections caused by susceptible gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.

Used intrathecally or intraventricularly for treatment of meningitis or other CNS infections. May be effective when used intrathecally alone, but usually used in conjunction with a parenteral anti-infective (e.g., IV or IM polymyxin B, IV meropenem, IV penicillin, IV cephalosporin).

Penetrates poorly into CSF following IM or IV administration; do not use parenteral polymyxin B alone for treatment of meningitis or other CNS infections.

Used for infections that are resistant to or do not respond to regimens of choice.

Respiratory Tract Infections

Alternative for treatment of respiratory tract infections, including nosocomial pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, or healthcare-associated pneumonia, caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Ps. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii). Used in these infections only when other less toxic anti-infectives are ineffective or contraindicated.

IV polymyxin B has been used alone or in conjunction with IV aztreonam for treatment of nosocomial pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant Ps. aeruginosa, including those that produce metallo-β-lactamases. Nosocomial infections caused by metallo-β-lactamase-producing Ps. aeruginosa have a high mortality rate, and fatalities may occur despite appropriate anti-infective therapy. Optimal regimens for treatment of these infections not identified to date.

Administered by oral inhalation via nebulization for treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Ps. aeruginosa, A. baumannii). Generally used in conjunction with a parenteral anti-infective (e.g., IV polymyxin B); has been effective when given by oral inhalation alone in some patients with infections caused by susceptible gram-negative bacteria.

Although safety and efficacy not established and additional study needed, ATS, IDSA, and other clinicians suggest that adjunctive use of aerosolized polymyxin B can be considered for treatment of serious respiratory tract infections (e.g., ventilator-associated pneumonia) caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria that have not responded to treatment with parenteral anti-infectives alone.

Septicemia

Treatment of septicemia or bacteremia caused by susceptible Ps. aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, or K. pneumoniae. Also has been used for treatment of bloodstream infections caused by multidrug-resistant A. baumannii.

Generally used only when other less toxic anti-infectives are ineffective or contraindicated.

May be a drug of choice for treatment of septicemia or bacteremia caused by Ps. aeruginosa. Has been used alone or in conjunction with other anti-infectives (e.g., aztreonam) for infections caused by multidrug-resistant Ps. aeruginosa, including those that produce metallo-β-lactamases. Nosocomial blood stream infections caused by metallo-β-lactamase-producing Ps. aeruginosa have a high mortality rate, and fatalities may occur despite appropriate anti-infective therapy. Optimal regimens for treatment of these infections not identified to date.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Treatment of serious UTIs caused by susceptible Ps. aeruginosa or E. coli.

Generally used only when other less toxic anti-infectives are ineffective or contraindicated.

Bacteriuria and Bacteremia Associated with Indwelling Catheters

Fixed-combination solution for irrigation containing polymyxin B and neomycin used in abacteriuric patients for short-term (≤10 days) irrigation or rinse of the urinary bladder to help prevent bacteriuria and gram-negative rod septicemia associated with use of indwelling catheters.

Some clinicians state that irrigation or rinse of the urinary bladder with anti-infective solutions is unlikely to be of benefit while the catheter is in place and such a strategy is not recommended.

Use fixed-combination solution for irrigation only for irrigation of the bladder; do not use for irrigation of other areas.

• Generic Name: rivaroxaban
• Dosage Forms: tablet, film coated
• Other Brand Names: Xarelto, Xarelto Starter Pack

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) blocks the activity of certain clotting substances in the blood.

Xarelto is used to prevent or treat a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). A DVT can occur after knee or hip replacement surgery, and during or after a stay in the hospital when you cannot move around as much as normal.

Xarelto is sometimes used to lower your risk of a DVT or PE coming back after you have received treatment for blood clots for at least 6 months.

Xarelto is used in people with atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder) to lower the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot.

Xarelto is used to help prevent blood clots in certain people hospitalized for an acute illness who are at risk of getting blood clots and who do not have a high risk of bleeding.

Xarelto is also given together with aspirin to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious heart problems in people with coronary artery disease (decreased blood flow to the heart) or peripheral artery disease (decreased blood flow to the legs).