Colistimethate sodium - Intravenous

Colistimethate sodium is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain serious types of bacterial infections.

This medicine is used when other antibiotics are not effective or inappropriate.

Colistimethate sodium injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.

Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.

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.

Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Colistimethate sodium.

If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.

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)
• 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 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, itchy skin, and irritation at the injection site.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• 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

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.

Avoid alcohol.

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

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.