What does it do?

Colistimethate is used to treat bacterial infections.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How is it given?

Colistimethate is given as an injection into a vein or a muscle by a health professional.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with colistimethate including:

• anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren®), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®).

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 immediately
Peeing less or not at all Confusion, slurred speech, dizziness Changes in vision Tingling or numbness, muscle weakness	Tell your doctor

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Colistimethate can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• Colistimethate can cause kidney problems. You will need regular blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working.