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Colistimethate (injection)
koh-lis-ti-meth-ate
What does it do?
Colistimethate is used to treat and prevent bacterial infections.
How is it given?
Colistimethate is given as an injection into a vein, or as an injection into a muscle. Continue the course until it is finished, even if you start to feel better.
What if you forget a dose?
The missed dose should be given as soon as possible and treatment should continue as directed. Two doses should not be given at the same time. Colistimethate is usually given to you by a health professional. If you miss an appointment, contact your health professional as soon as possible.
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 |
|---|---|
|
Increased trouble breathing |
Tell your doctor immediately |
|
Trouble peeing Dizziness, slurred speech Severe or persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain Small white sores in mouth, furry tongue (oral thrush) Vaginal itch or discharge (vaginal thrush) |
Tell your doctor |
|
Tingling or numbness, weakness |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or a chronic muscle condition (e.g. myasthenia gravis).
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Colistimethate may cause dizziness and make it dangerous to drive, operate machinery or do other activities that require you to be alert.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. December 2017
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 the Canterbury District Health Board. 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