Colistimethate (By injection)
koe-lis-ti-METH-ate SOE-dee-um
Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is an antibiotic.
Drug classes
Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Colistimethate injection is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It belongs to the group of medicines called antibiotics. This medicine works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles or through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how colistimethate works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Medicine to treat an infection, such as amikacin, gentamicin, polymyxin Sodium citrate SuccinylcholineWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to colistimethate.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney or lung disease.
This medicine may cause dizziness, or numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Serious breathing problems if you get the shot into one of your muscles Severe diarrheaThis medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Decrease in how much and how often you urinate, or blood in your urine
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
Increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, swollen legs or feet, and weakness
Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or wheezing
Speech problems
Severe diarrhea
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed or where the shot is given
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Coly-Mycin M, Coly-Mycin M Parenteral
There may be other brand names for this medicine.