COLISTIMETHATE SODIUM
Background and Date of Approval
Colistimethate sodium is a polymyxin antibiotic. Colistin was first discovered in 1947, and colistimethate sodium received FDA approval for medical use in 1970.
Uses
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.
How is it administered?
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.
Side Effects
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
Warnings
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.
Precautions
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.
Word of Advice
Store below 25°C. Keep in the original package to protect from light. Keep the injection out of reach of children and pets. This medicine may cause kidney damage; your doctor will conduct routine kidney function tests. This medicine may cause dizziness or numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this medicine. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience severe, continuous, or bloody diarrhoea. Injection site reactions, including itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin, may occur at the needle insertion site.
References
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 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colistimethate Sodium available in different forms?
Colistimethate Sodium is available in various forms, including intravenous (IV) injection, inhalation, and oral capsules. Your physician will decide the route of administration based on the type and severity of the infection and other factors
Are there any common side effects of Colistimethate Sodium?
Common side effects of Colistimethate Sodium may include dizziness, numbness or tingling sensation, especially in the face, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney function changes. It is important to report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider.
Is there any specific monitoring required during the Colistimethate Sodium treatment?
Colistimethate Sodium treatment requires careful monitoring of kidney function because this medicine can cause kidney damage. Your healthcare provider may perform regular kidney function tests to ensure the medication is used safely and effectively.
Can Colistimethate Sodium be used in pediatric patients?
Colistimethate Sodium can be used in pediatric patients, but the dosage and administration may vary depending on the child's age, weight, and specific medical condition. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions and closely monitor the child's response to treatment.
Can Colistimethate Sodium be given for viral infections or the common cold?
Colistimethate Sodium is an antibiotic specifically used for treating bacterial infections. It is ineffective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu.