Colistimethate Sodium (koe-lis-ti-METH-ate SOE-dee-um)

Treats infections. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Coly-Mycin M Parenteral

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles or through a needle placed into your vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how colistimethate works. Tell your doctor if you are using sodium citrate or other medicines to treat an infection (including cephalothin sodium, polymyxin, aminoglycosides).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Serious lung or breathing problems
  • Kidney problems
• This medicine may make you dizzy or cause numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop using this medicine.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bloody or watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever
• Bluish lips or skin, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful or difficult urination, lower back or side pain
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
• Seizures
• Speech problems

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed or where the shot is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088