What does it do?
Colistimethate is used to treat bacterial infections in your lungs.
Before you start
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How should you use it?
Mix colistimethate with saline (0.9% sodium chloride) immediately before use, and inhale as directed using your nebuliser.
Discard any unused liquid or partly used vials – do not store for future use.
Colistimethate can sometimes make your breathing worse. To help stop this happening you may be given a ‘reliever’ medicine, such as salbutamol, to use before colistimethate.
What if you forget a dose?
If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and inhale your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, inhale the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not inhale two doses at the same time.
Can you take other medicines?
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Trouble breathing |
Tell your doctor |
|
Sore throat, hoarse voice, unpleasant taste |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
Te Reo Māori
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About My Medicines
My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed