This volume is the first-ever complete treatise on polymyxins and presents the most comprehensive and up-to-date reviews of all major research and clinical topics from chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, clinical use, to drug discovery. All chapters were written by internationally leading researchers and clinicians in the field.

It is our wish that readers discover the importance of polymyxin structure in relation to the mechanisms of activity, resistance and toxicity. We emphasized that reliable analytic methods for polymyxins are critical when investigating their pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). The complicated dose definitions and different pharmacopoeial standards have already compromised the safe use of polymyxins in patients. Therefore, informed by the latest pharmacological information, scientifically-based dosing recommendations have been proposed for intravenous polymyxins. Considering the PK/PD limitations and potential development of resistance, polymyxin combinations are encouraged; however, the current literature has not shown definite microbiological benefits, possibly because most clinical studies to date overlooked key PK/PD principles. Nephrotoxicity is the major dose-limiting factor and it is imperative to elucidate the mechanisms and develop novel approaches to minimize polymyxin-associated toxicities. In addition, the anti-endotoxin effect of polymyxins supports their clinical use to treat Gram-negative sepsis. Fortunately, the discovery of new-generation polymyxins with wider therapeutic windows has benefited from the latest achievements in polymyxin research.

This book provides extensive pharmacological information on polymyxins to infectious diseases clinicians, pharmacists, clinical microbiologists, antimicrobial pharmacologists, and pharmaceutical scientists, and is an essential read for those who aim to develop novel polymyxins and improve their clinical use as a last-line defense against Gram-negative 'superbugs'. 

Overview

Multidrug resistant Gram-negative pathogens: the urgent need for 'old' polymyxins
Discovery, antibacterial spectrum and chemistry
Mechanisms of antibacterial activity
Mechanisms of resistance
Bioanalysis and stability of polymyxins
In vitro pharmacodynamics and PK/PD in animals
Antibacterial susceptibility breakpoints
Labeling of parenteral products of colistin methanesulfonate
Meta-analysis of polymyxin use in patients
Clinical use of colistin
Clinical use of polymyxin B
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicodynamics and dosing recommendations
Rational combinations with other antibiotics
Toxicities in patients: management and mechanisms
Antiendotoxin effect
Discovery of novel polymyxin-like antibiotics
Conclusion.