Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Colistimethate for Injection, USP
What is Colistimethate for Injection, USP used for?
Colistimethate for Injection, USP is used to treat infections:
- that are sudden and severe
- or are chronic
- caused by certain bacteria
- that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by certain bacteria
Antibacterial drugs like Colistimethate for Injection, USP treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections. Although you may feel better early in treatment, Colistimethate for Injection, USP should be used exactly as directed. Misuse or overuse of Colistimethate for Injection, USP could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by Colistimethate for Injection, USP (resistance). This means that Colistimethate for Injection, USP may not work for you in the future.
How does Colistimethate for Injection, USP work?
Colistimethate for Injection, USP is an antibiotic that kills bacteria in your body by damaging the cell wall of the bacteria.
What are the ingredients in Colistimethate for Injection, USP?
Medicinal ingredients: colistin (as colistimethate sodium).
Non-medicinal ingredients: none.
Colistimethate for Injection, USP comes in the following dosage forms:
As a sterile powder for solution in a vial containing 150 mg colistin.
Do not use Colistimethate for Injection, USP if you:
- are allergic or you have a sensitivity to this medicine.
are pregnant.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Colistimethate for Injection, USP. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have kidney problems.
Other warnings you should know about:
Colistimethate for Injection, USP may cause dizziness or light-headedness. Do not drive or use machines while you are receiving this medicine.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following medicines may interact with Colistimethate for Injection, USP:
- Other antibiotics such as kanamycin, streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin, polymyxin, and neomycin.
- Muscle relaxants such as ether, tubocurarine, succinylcholine, gallamine, decamethonium and sodium citrate. These should be used with extreme caution.
How to take Colistimethate for Injection, USP:
- Colistimethate for Injection, USP will be given to you by a healthcare professional.
- It will either be infused directly into your vein or;
- It will be injected into your muscle.
- Follow all instructions given to you by your healthcare professional.
Usual dose:
- Your healthcare professional will decide how much Colistimethate for Injection, USP you will receive.
- You will receive it 2, 3 or 4 times a day.
- Your healthcare professional will decide how often and for how long you will receive Colistimethate for Injection, USP.
Overdose:
Overdosage can result in kidney problems, muscle weakness and difficulty breathing.
| If you think you have received too much Colistimethate for Injection, USP, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
What are possible side effects from using Colistimethate for Injection, USP?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking Colistimethate for Injection, USP. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
- dizziness or vertigo (light-headedness)
- tingling of the tongue
- itching of the skin
- hives
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
RARE Breathing difficulty, breathing stops | ✓ | ||
| Kidney problems: abdominal or back pain, dark urine, decreased urination, nausea, swelling of the arms or legs, vomiting, weakness | ✓ | ||
| Slow or slurred speech | ✓ | ||
| Tingling, prickling, numbness or burning of hands or feet or around the mouth | ✓ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
Storage:
- Colistimethate for Injection, USP in powder form should be stored at controlled room temperature (between 15 °C to 30 °C).
- Reconstituted Colistimethate for Injection, USP solution can be stored at room temperature (15 °C to 30 °C) for up to 7 days.
- Infusion solution containing Colistimethate for Injection, USP should be freshly prepared and used within 24 hours.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about Colistimethate for Injection, USP:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full prescribing information that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp); the manufacturer's website (https://www.fresenius-kabi.com/en-ca), or by calling 1-877-821-7724.
Fresenius Kabi Canada Ltd.
165 Galaxy Blvd, Suite 100
Toronto, ON M9W 0C8
Questions or Concerns? 1-877-821-7724
Last revised: January 27, 2020
Fresenius Kabi is a registered trademark of Fresenius SE.