Colistimethate

Generic name: Colistimethate
Brand names: Coly Mycin M
Dosage form: injectable powder for injection (150 mg (colistin base))

Usage of Colistimethate

Colistimethate is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Colistimethate is used to treat infections caused by bacteria.

Colistimethate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Colistimethate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Colistimethate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

a seizure (convulsions);

slow breathing;

unusual muscle weakness;

fever; or

kidney problems--little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of colistimethate may include:

numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, mouth, or tongue;

slurred speech;

dizziness, spinning sensation;

itching, mild rash; or

upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Colistimethate

You should not use colistimethate if you are allergic to it.

To make sure colistimethate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease.

It is not known whether colistimethate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether colistimethate passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How to use Colistimethate

Usual Adult Dose for Gram Negative Infection:

Parenteral: 2.5 to 5 mg/kg/day IM or IV in 2 to 4 divided doses, depending on severity of infectionMaximum dose: 5 mg/kg/dayComments:-The dosage is expressed in terms of colistin base.-Clinical effectiveness has been shown in the treatment of infections due to Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Approved indication: Treatment of acute or chronic infections due to sensitive strains of certain gram-negative bacilli (particularly infections due to P aeruginosa); not indicated for infections due to Proteus or NeisseriaSome experts recommend:Inhalation: 50 to 75 mg in normal saline (3 to 4 mL total volume) via nebulizer 2 to 3 times a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Gram Negative Infection:

Parenteral: 2.5 to 5 mg/kg/day IM or IV in 2 to 4 divided doses, depending on severity of infectionMaximum dose: 5 mg/kg/dayComments:-The dosage is expressed in terms of colistin base.-Clinical effectiveness has been shown in the treatment of infections due to Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Approved indication: Treatment of acute or chronic infections due to sensitive strains of certain gram-negative bacilli (particularly infections due to P aeruginosa); not indicated for infections due to Proteus or NeisseriaSome experts recommend:Inhalation:Neonates: 4 mg/kg/dose every 12 hours to treat ventilator-associated pneumoniaInfants, children, adolescents: 50 to 75 mg in normal saline (3 to 4 mL total volume) via nebulizer 2 to 3 times a day

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Colistimethate

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

any injected or IV antibiotics--amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin, polymyxin, streptomycin, tobramycin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with colistimethate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Disclaimer

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