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 certain types of bacteria in your body. It works 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, 150 mg
Do not use Colistimethate for Injection USP if:
- you are allergic or you have a sensitivity to this medicine.
Colistimethate for Injection USP
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.
Are breastfeeding.
- Are pregnant
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.
- Your healthcare professional may monitor your electrolyte levels while you are taking Colistimethate for Injection USP.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with Colistimethate for Injection USP:
- Other antibiotics such as dihydrostreptomycin, kanamycin, neomycin, polymyxin, streptomycin.
- Muscle relaxants such as decamethonium, ether, gallamine, sodium citrate, succinylcholine, and tubocurarine. 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, or a person you are caring for, have received too much Colistimethate for Injection USP, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, regional poison control centre or Health Canada’s toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) immediately, even if there are no signs or symptoms.
Colistimethate for Injection USP
What are possible side effects from using Colistimethate for Injection USP?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking Colistimethate for Injection USP. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
- 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 | ✓ | ||
| UNKNOWN | |||
| Pseudo-Bartter syndrome (serious metabolic condition of electrolyte imbalances): cramping, constipation, fatigue, frequent urination, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, thirst, vomiting, irregular heartbeats | ✓ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Colistimethate for Injection USP
Storage:
- Store Colistimethate for Injection USP at room temperature (15°C to 30°C).
- After reconstitution, refrigerate Colistimethate for Injection USP solution (2°C to 8°C) and use within 3 days.
- Reconstituted Colistimethate for Injection USP solution can also be stored at room temperature (15°C to 30°C) and must be used within 24 hours.
- 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 product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada Drug Product Database website: (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website (www.marcanpharma.com), or by calling 1-855-627-2261
Date of Authorization: 2026-01-21
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting ( canada.ca/drug-device-reporting) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your healthcare professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.