Colistimethate
About Colistimethate
Colistimethate is a prescription antibiotic injection used to treat severe bacterial infections, particularly those caused by difficult-to-treat Gram-negative bacteria. This medication is typically reserved for serious, systemic infections in the lungs, urinary tract, or bloodstream when other treatments are not effective. It works by targeting and destroying the protective outer layer of harmful bacteria to clear the infection.
Because this medicine is given directly into your body, it is usually administered at regular, evenly spaced intervals throughout the day to keep a constant level of the drug in your system. Since it is given as an injection, it does not depend on meals, meaning you do not need to worry about taking it with or without food. To support your recovery and protect your body during treatment, it is highly recommended to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
While this medicine is highly effective, it can sometimes cause common side effects such as mild dizziness, a tingling sensation around the mouth, or temporary changes in kidney function. You should contact your healthcare team immediately if you notice severe signs like a major decrease in urination, persistent muscle weakness, or a severe, watery skin rash.
Before you begin receiving this medication, you must discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have a history of kidney disease or neuromuscular disorders like myasthenia gravis. Do not take this medicine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to it or similar antibiotic injections in the past.
This medicine can interact with other drugs that strain your kidneys or affect your nerves, so your doctor needs to know all the medications you are currently taking. It is also important to avoid alcohol and smoking during treatment as they can place unnecessary stress on your organs. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of this treatment.
Uses of Colistimethate
Medicinal Benefits
Colistimethate offers crucial, targeted relief for patients suffering from severe and complex health issues:
- Provides a life-saving option for severe, systemic infections when other first-line antibiotics are ineffective.
- Quickly gets to work in the bloodstream to halt the spread of dangerous bacteria, helping you recover your physical strength faster.
- Reduces the risk of long-term complications associated with chronic, deep-seated bacterial tissue infections.
Directions for Use
- Your doctor will determine the dosage and timing of Colistimethate based on the severity of your infection. Typically, it is administered every 6-12 hours.
- Colistimethate is administered by a healthcare professional as an infusion over 30 to 60 minutes or as a rapid injection within 5 minutes into a vein
- Do not self-administer it.
Storage
Side Effects of Colistimethate
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Mild dizziness or lightheadedness
- Tingling or numbness around the mouth, hands, or feet
- Mild headache
- Temporary, mild irritation or pain at the injection site
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away)
- A significant decrease in urination, swelling in the legs, or blood in the urine (signs of kidney damage)
- Severe muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath
- Persistent, severe, watery diarrhoea accompanied by stomach cramps
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the solution: Always check the prepared liquid before administering it. It should be clear and free of any visible floating particles or discolouration; do not use it if it appears cloudy.
- Rotate injection sites: If you are receiving intramuscular injections, rotate the injection site each time to prevent muscle soreness and tissue irritation.
- Monitor kidney tests: Attend all scheduled appointments for blood and urine tests so your healthcare provider can ensure your kidneys are functioning safely.
- Finish the full course: Complete the entire duration of your prescribed therapy, even if your symptoms improve early, to prevent the infection from returning.
- Dose adjustments: If your kidney function changes during treatment, your doctor may adjust your dose based on blood test results. Do not be concerned if your dosing schedule changes, as this helps improve treatment effectiveness while reducing the risk of side effects.
Drug Interactions
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics or other kidney-toxic medicines (e.g., gentamicin, vancomycin): Using these medications alongside Colistimethate can significantly increase the risk of severe kidney damage.
- Muscle relaxants or anaesthetics (e.g., rocuronium, succinylcholine): Combining these medicines can enhance muscle-weakening effects, potentially leading to respiratory issues.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionInteraction of Colistimethate with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Colistimethate.
Pregnancy
cautionColistimethate is a category C pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if it is essential. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionColistimethate may be excreted in human milk in small amounts. Therefore, it is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionColistimethate may cause confusion, vision problems or dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving if you experience any of these symptoms after taking Colistimethate.
Liver
cautionTake Colistimethate with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Colistimethate with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions as Colistimethate may affect kidney function. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionColistimethate should be used with caution in children and in doses as prescribed by a doctor. Special care should be taken in new-born and premature babies as kidneys are not developed fully.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your kidneys flush the medication safely from your body, unless your doctor tells you to limit fluids.
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on nutrient-rich foods that support your immune system during recovery, while avoiding excessive sodium, which can strain your kidneys.
- Prioritise physical rest: Give your body ample time to rest and heal so your immune system can work efficiently alongside the antibiotic.
Special Advise
Regular blood tests are recommended to monitor the levels of Colistimethate in blood and kidney functioning.
Inform your anaesthetist that you are taking Colistimethate as it may increase the effects of muscle relaxants used in general anaesthesia.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: It is a condition in which harmful bacteria grows in the body and cause infection. It can target any part of the body and multiple very quickly. Bacteria come in three basic shapes, namely spherical, rod or spiral-shaped. Bacteria may be gram-positive (have thick cell wall) or gram-negative (do not have cell wall). Appropriate tests are done to identify bacterial strains, and based on the results, proper medication is prescribed. Some common symptoms of bacterial infection include cough, fever and tiredness.
FAQs
Colistimethate contains Colistimethate, an antibiotic that works by binding to bacterial cell membranes that are essential for their survival as they prevent the entry of unwanted substances into the cells and stops the leakage of cell contents. Thereby, damages bacterial cell membranes and kills bacteria.
You are not recommended to take Colistimethate with gentamicin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of severe adverse effects such as kidney problems, hearing loss or respiratory depression especially in elderly people and in those who have preexisting kidney disease or who are dehydrated. However, please consult your doctor before taking Colistimethate with other medicines.
Colistimethate may cause dizziness as a common side effect. Avoid driving if you feel dizzy after taking Colistimethate. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
Colistimethate should be used with caution in patients receiving dialysis (the process of filtration and purification of blood using a machine). Therefore, if you are receiving dialysis, please inform your doctor before taking Colistimethate so that the dose may be adjusted accordingly.
You are recommended to take Colistimethate with extreme caution if you have kidney disease as it may worsen the condition. Regular monitoring of kidney functioning is recommended while taking Colistimethate. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have any kidney problems before taking Colistimethate.
Before taking Colistimethate, inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems, myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes muscle weakness), porphyria (a blood disorder), or asthma. These conditions may affect your treatment or require special monitoring.
Colistimethate is administered by a healthcare professional. It may be given as a slow intravenous (IV) infusion over 30–60 minutes, a rapid IV injection over about 5 minutes, or an intramuscular (IM) injection into a large muscle, depending on your medical condition and your doctor's recommendation. Do not self-administer this medicine.
Do not use Colistimethate if you are allergic to its active substances or any other polymyxins (group of antibiotics to treat bacterial infection). If you are unsure, consult your doctor before receiving Colistimethate.
Colistimethate is safe when used as per the dose and duration advised by a doctor.
Colistimethate causes side effects such as dizziness, stomach upset, tingling, and difficulty in breathing. However, these do not require any medical treatment and gradually reduce over time. Contact a doctor if these side effects persist for longer durations.
Colistimethate is an injectable antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections, particularly those caused by susceptible or resistant Gram-negative bacteria. It works only against bacterial infections and is not effective against viral illnesses such as the common cold or flu. Your doctor will determine if it is appropriate for your specific infection.
Colistimethate should be used during pregnancy only if your doctor determines that the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk to the unborn baby. Since its safety during pregnancy has not been fully established, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before starting treatment.
Your doctor will regularly monitor your kidney function using tests such as serum creatinine, creatinine clearance (CrCl), or eGFR because Colistimethate is removed from the body through the kidneys. These results help determine whether your dose needs adjustment and reduce the risk of kidney damage. In some patients, especially during prolonged treatment, therapeutic drug monitoring (measuring antibiotic levels when appropriate) may also be used. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your monitoring schedule.
Yes, this medication can affect kidney function, particularly at higher doses or in patients with pre-existing kidney issues. Your doctor will monitor your kidney health closely with regular blood tests during treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Dizziness and mild tingling or numbness around the mouth or extremities are known neurotoxic side effects. Report these symptoms to your doctor immediately so they can evaluate your condition. Talk to your doctor.
This medicine is typically only used during pregnancy if the benefit outweighs the potential risks to the unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol during treatment to prevent putting extra strain on your liver and kidneys, and to help your body recover. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
No, this medication is a highly specific antibiotic that only treats bacterial infections. It is completely ineffective against viral infections like the cold or flu. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of an illness.
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