Colistimethate sodium - Inhalation

Colistimethate sodium is an antibiotic. It is used to treat a long-term lung infection caused by a type of bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa in individuals with cystic fibrosis (an inherited disease that causes excessively thick and sticky mucus build up in the lungs, intestines, or other organs).

Use Colistimethate sodium exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine is available as an inhalation powder for nebuliser solution or as an inhalation powder in hard capsules. You will be using a specific nebulising machine or inhalation device to use this medicine.

Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your infection and your response to the medication.

You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not use Colistimethate sodium if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as colistin or polymyxin B.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
• lung problems
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Colistimethate sodium to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

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 and lung function) 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.
• Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of kidney problems may also be needed.

Colistimethate sodium may cause dizziness, confusion or problems with your vision or 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, cough, sore throat, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, altered taste, and ringing in the ears.

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 or diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools
• numbness or tingling sensation around the face, slurred speech, muscle weakness, loss of balance
• pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
• signs and symptoms of lung problem e.g. wheezing (whistling sound when breathing), difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness

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 or using certain antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, netilmicin and tobramycin.

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.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light and moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.