Colistimethate sodium is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain serious type of bacterial infections.
This medicine is used when other antibiotics are not effective or inappropriate.
Colistimethate sodium injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) using a syringe over a period of time or intramuscularly (into the muscle).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Colistimethate sodium.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Colistimethate sodium if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as colistin or polymyxin.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems)
- excessive water loss from the body
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to an infant or child. They may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, blood colistin level) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Colistimethate sodium may cause dizziness, confusion or some problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, joint pain, irritation at the injection site, and itchy skin.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- severe diarrhoea accompanied by stomach cramps or bloody stools
- signs and symptoms of kidney problem e.g. decreased urine output, shortness of breath, tiredness, swelling of the legs, ankles or feet
- numbness or tingling sensation around the face, loss of balance, muscle weakness, slurred speech
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. gentamicin, amikacin
- methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
- certain medicines for viral infection
- pentamidine (medicine for fungal infections)
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- muscle relaxant used during surgery (medicine to block pain and sensation) e.g. halothane, suxamethonium
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Colistimethate sodium.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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