Colistimethate Sodium is a polymixin antibiotic agent. Initially, Colistin was discovered in 1947, and FDA approved Colistimethate sodium was approved for medical use in 1970

Colistimethate Sodium is used to treat certain types of infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is commonly used when other antibiotics are not suitable. It is sometimes given as an inhalation to treat chronic chest infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. This medicine is used when these infections are caused by specific bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic setting will give it to you. Depending on the reason, the drug may be given by fast or slow injection into a vein. Do not self-administer the injection. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity, body weight, and other factors. 

Common side effects of Colistimethate sodium are numbness or tingling, dizziness or loss of balance, changes in blood pressure, slurred speech, vision problems, confusion and mental problems. Other serious side effects of colistimethate sodium are breathing difficulty, respiratory tract paralysis, diarrhea, and kidney damage

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to colistimethate sodium, colistin, or to other polymers in the medication. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding during the treatment. Serious allergic reactions can happen even with the first dose of colistimethate sodium. They can include rapid development of rashes, swelling of the face, tongue, and neck, and inability to breathe. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, you should seek urgent medical attention.

Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems or suffer from myasthenia gravis, porphyria, and asthma. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant during the treatment. Do not stop your treatment early without consulting a doctor. Your doctor will decide how long your treatment should last. 

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Colistimethate Sodium and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

Do not store above 25°C). Store in the original package to protect from light. keep the injection away from the reach of children and pets. This medicine may cause kidney damage; your doctor will perform routine kidney function test. This medicine may make you feel dizzy or cause numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. Do not drive or operate heavy machines while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor immediately if you have severe, continuous, or bloody diarrhea. Sometimes injection site reactions, including itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin, may occur where the needle is placed.

1. Monarch Pharmaceuticals, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Oct 2006] [ Accessed on 13th June 2023],  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/050108s026lbl.pdf
2. Millmount healthcare LTD., Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on May 2022] [ Accessed on 13th June 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1094.pdf
3. Koomanachai P, Tiengrim S, Kiratisin P, Thamlikitkul V. Efficacy and safety of colistin (colistimethate sodium) for therapy of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii in Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Int J Infect Dis. 2007 Sep;11(5):402-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2006.09.011. Epub 2007 Feb 8. PMID: 17291803.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.