Product Name: Polymyxin B Sulfate
Chemical Family: Cyclic peptide antibiotic
Molecular Formula: C56H98N16O13•H2SO4
CAS Number: 1405-20-5
Synonyms: Aerosporin, Colistinsulfate, Polybactin
Intended Use: Pharmaceutical applications, laboratory reagent
Supplier: Pharmaceutical manufacturers, chemical distributors
Contact Numbers: Emergency phone numbers provided by supplier, usually found on product packaging and invoices
Hazard Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), skin sensitizer, potentially toxic to aquatic environments
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May cause allergic skin reactions; harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin; suspected risk of organ toxicity after repeated exposure; can trigger respiratory symptoms
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or aerosols, wear protective gloves and clothing, wash thoroughly after handling
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
NFPA Ratings: Health: 2; Flammability: 0; Reactivity: 0
Component: Polymyxin B Sulfate
Concentration: Typically 100% for research chemical; pharmaceutical formulations may contain excipients
Impurities: Residual moisture possible; pharmaceutical batches include stabilizers or buffers depending on preparation
Other Ingredients: Pharmaceutical tablets or solutions may include lactose, preservatives, or saline in small amounts
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with clean water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and possible, continue rinsing and seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention if a rash or allergic reaction develops
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing, seek medical care if symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth carefully, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel, seek immediate medical help if symptoms develop
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, CO2, dry chemical, foam
Hazards from Combustion: Emission of toxic fumes possible, including nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent exposure
Special Procedures: Keep containers cool with water spray to prevent overheating; avoid run-off into drains or waterways
Thermal Decomposition: May produce irritating and harmful gases under fire conditions
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, lab coat; avoid formation of dust, ensure adequate ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Do not let product enter drains or watercourses; contain spillage using absorbent, non-combustible materials
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up material carefully, dispose of in a sealed, labeled container; wash area thoroughly with water, ventilate site of spill
Decontamination: Clean tools and surfaces with soap or detergent and copious water after pickup of substance
Handling: Handle in a well-ventilated area, minimize creation of dust and aerosols, wear appropriate protective clothing, avoid ingestion and inhalation
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, protected from light and moisture, recommended to keep in a cool, dry, locked environment
Storage Incompatibilities: Separate from strong oxidizing agents and acids, avoid sources of ignition and excessive heat
Special Considerations: Restrict access to trained personnel, label containers clearly, ensure spill control facilities are available nearby
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established; minimize exposure as much as possible
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or laboratory fume hood to prevent airborne exposure; maintain eye wash and safety shower stations nearby
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or latex gloves, safety goggles or face shield, long-sleeved laboratory coat, respiratory protection in case of dust formation
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse, avoid eating or drinking while using product
Appearance: White to off-white powder; hygroscopic
Odor: Odorless or slight inherent odor
pH: 5.0-7.5 (1% solution in water)
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, practically insoluble in organic solvents
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable (highly polar compound)
Boiling Point: Not relevant; decomposes at high temperatures
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Relative Density: Not established
Stability Under Storage: Stable under normal storage conditions if protected from moisture, heat, and light
Chemical Stability: Stable at recommended storage conditions; sensitive to moisture and prolonged exposure to air
Hazardous Decomposition: Sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides may form upon thermal decomposition
Reactivity: Can react with strong oxidizers, acids, or reducing agents
Polymerization: Will not occur
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, direct sunlight, strong acids or bases, incompatible chemicals
Acute Toxicity: LD50 in mice: 5,900 mg/kg (oral, data may vary by formulation), known to cause nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity at higher or prolonged exposures
Inhalation: May cause respiratory irritation, cough, or sore throat
Skin Contact: Can cause allergic or irritant dermatitis, redness, or swelling
Eye Contact: Causes mild to moderate irritation upon contact
Long-Term Exposure: Has led to kidney damage, neurotoxicity (numbness, tingling, confusion) in humans; hypersensitivity reactions possible
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity: No clear evidence in standard test assays
Reproductive Toxicity: Effects on human reproduction have not been confirmed; limited animal data available
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Individuals with kidney disease, pre-existing neurological or hypersensitivity conditions may experience more severe effects
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects; not rapidly biodegradable
Persistence: Highly stable in the environment, especially in water bodies, may accumulate in soil or sediments
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly in aquatic organisms, but persistence in environment is a documented risk
Mobility: Readily dissolves in water, may migrate through soil and water systems
Other Adverse Effects: Known to disrupt balance in microbial communities in sewage treatment and natural waters, possible risk to wastewater treatment efficiency
Waste Disposal: Dispose as hazardous pharmaceutical waste in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be triple-rinsed, decontaminated, and managed as hazardous waste
Do Not: Release product to environment, pour down drain, or discard with general waste
Suggestions: Use government-approved incinerators or chemical waste treatment approved for organic antibiotics, document all disposal actions for regulatory compliance
Special Instructions: Consult licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor for large quantities or unknown solutions containing this material
UN Number: Not assigned for this substance
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous good by IATA, IMDG, or DOT for land, air, or sea transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Handle with care to avoid spillage, keep in original packaging, transport with compatibility group for pharmaceuticals
US TSCA: Listed for research use; not for food or feed
OSHA/WHMIS Classification: Regulated as toxic chemical; can require hazard communication for workplace use
EU Classification: Not assigned EC number, classified as hazardous according to EU CLP Regulation
REACH Status: Subject to registration and possible restrictions in the European Union
Inventory Listings: Australia AICS, Canada DSL/NDSL: Check specific batch status
Labeling: Container labeling should list GHS pictograms and statements per local legislation
Other Regulations: Subject to permits for handling and disposal due to risk of environmental contamination and concerns over antibiotic resistance