Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Coly-Mycin M
What is COLY-MYCIN M used for?
COLY-MYCIN M 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 COLY-MYCIN M treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections. Although you may feel better early in treatment, COLY-MYCIN M should be used exactly as directed. Misuse or overuse of COLY-MYCIN M could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by COLY-MYCIN M (resistance). This means that COLY-MYCIN M may not work for you in the future.
How does COLY-MYCIN M work?
COLY-MYCIN M 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 COLY-MYCIN M?
Medicinal ingredients: colistin (as colistimethate sodium).
Non-medicinal ingredients: none.
COLY-MYCIN M comes in the following dosage forms:
As a sterile powder for solution, 150 mg
Do not use COLY-MYCIN M if:
- you are allergic or you have a sensitivity to this medicine.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take COLY-MYCIN M. 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:
COLY-MYCIN M 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 COLY-MYCIN M.
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 COLY-MYCIN M:
- 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 COLY-MYCIN M:
- COLY-MYCIN M 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 COLY-MYCIN M 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 COLY-MYCIN M.
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 COLY-MYCIN M, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
|---|
What are possible side effects from using COLY-MYCIN M?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking COLY-MYCIN M. 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.
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:
- Store COLY-MYCIN M at room temperature (15°C to 30°C).
- After reconstitution, refrigerate COLY-MYCIN M solution (2°C to 8°C) and use within 3 days.
- Reconstituted COLY-MYCIN M solution can also be stored at room temperature (15°C to 30°C) and must be used within 24 hours.
- Infusion solution containing COLY-MYCIN M should be freshly prepared and used within 24 hours.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about COLY-MYCIN M:
- 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 website: (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html; the manufacturer’s website (www.searchlightpharma.com), or by calling 1-855-331-0830.