Review of the international consensus guidelines for the optimal use of the polymyxins

Abstract

Polymyxins are often the only agents that remain in vitro active against extensively resistant bacterial pathogens. However, the use of polymyxins is compromised by the number of unresolved issues, including the technical aspects of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics parameters, optimal dosing regimens, and combined use with other antibiotics. All of the aspects of polymyxin use are discussed in detail in recently published «International consensus guidelines for the optimal use of the polymyxins», that was endorsed by the following professional societies: American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), International Society for Antiinfective Pharmacology (ISAP), Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), and Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP).