Colistimethate Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Colistimethate

fever (temperature of 100° F or above)
severe dizziness, slurring of speech, and persistent numbness or itchiness
bowel changes such as severe diarrhea, or diarrhea that consists of water or blood
having trouble urinating or not being able to urinate at all
weakness or loss of muscle strength
chest tension and shortness of breath
a new infection
serious allergic reaction with side effects such as redness or itchiness of the skin, hives, inflammation of the tongue, throat, mouth, or face, and trouble breathing

Common Side Effects of Colistimethate

mild dizziness and tingling (especially in the extremities)
stomach ache or mild cramping
minor skin rash

Warnings & Recalls for Colistimethate

Colistimethate and Pregnancy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has listed colistimethate as a pregnancy Category C medication. Colistimethate may be harmful to the fetus if taken by a pregnant woman. It us unknown if colistimethate could be transferred to a breast-feeding baby through milk. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking colistimethate.

General Warnings

Colistimethate should not be used by anyone is allergic to the medicine or anyone who is taking sodium cephalothin. Be sure to let your doctor know if you:

have any allergies to colistimethate or other antibiotics
have kidney disease or kidney problems
are using any other medications (especially other antibiotics)

If you plan on having surgery, notify your surgeon ahead of time that you are taking colistimethate. It may not be safe for you to use this medicine around the time of the surgery.

Extended use of colistimethate may result in a second infection or serious diarrhea. Contact your doctor if you are suffering from another infection or have severe or bloody diarrhea.

Colistimethate Treatment and Use

Colistimethate | Coly-Mycin M is a generic antibiotic medication for treating infections of bacteria. Colistimethate may be prescribed to treat bacterial lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. Colistimethate should be used in caution with children.

Colistimethate is not a treatment for viral infections.

How Does Colistimethate Work?

Colistimethate works by preventing the growth of bacteria and killing the bacteria that are involved in the infection.

How is Colistimethate Administered?

Colistimethate is administered as an injection to be given into muscle, or intravenously through a needle. Typically, a doctor or nurse will administer the injection; however, you may be required to administer injections yourself at home. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about any questions you may have before injecting yourself.

Dosage amount and treatment varies. The injection may be given once every 12 hours, or continuously through an IV bag to be combined with liquid as a slow infusion for the duration of 24 hours. Continue taking colistimethate as prescribed until your prescription cycle has ended. Ending your use of colistimethate early may cause the infection to return or become resistant.

If you are using syringes at home, be sure to dispose of the needle and syringe in a puncture-proof container. Do not reuse needles or syringes.

Other Names for Colistimethate

Brand name:

Coly-Mycin M

Generic name:

Colistimethate

Colistimethat sodium