About colistimethate sodium
Polymyxin antibiotic
Used for
- Treats serious infections caused by certain multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter.
Usual adult dose
For serious infections, commonly 2.5–5 mg colistin base activity/kg/day intravenously, divided every 12 hours; adjusted for kidney function.
Usual dose in children
Specialist dosing is weight-based and varies by age, infection, and kidney function; no single usual dose.
Common side effects
- Kidney injury
- Tingling, dizziness, or muscle weakness
- Breathing difficulty from muscle weakness
- Injection-site reactions
Important warnings
- Kidney function and neurological effects require close monitoring.
- Dose units can be confused; colistin base activity and colistimethate amounts are not interchangeable.
- Use is generally reserved for infections with limited treatment options.
- Intrathecal or inhaled dosing differs from intravenous dosing.
Pregnancy
Human data are limited. Use during pregnancy only when expected benefits outweigh potential risks.
Breastfeeding
It is unknown whether colistimethate passes into breast milk; clinical guidance is needed.
Interactions
- Other kidney-damaging medicines can increase kidney injury risk.
- Neuromuscular-blocking medicines and some anesthetics may increase muscle weakness or breathing problems.
- Other neurotoxic medicines may increase neurological adverse effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.