Colistin - Intravenous/Intramuscular

Colistin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections.

This medicine is used when other antibiotics are not effective or inappropriate.

Colistin injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) or intramuscularly (into the muscle, usually into the muscles of the thigh or buttocks).

Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your infection and your response to the medication.

You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Colistin.

If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.

Do not use Colistin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as colistimethate sodium.

Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Colistin to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of kidney problems may also be needed.

Colistin may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: stomach upset, rash, itching, and fever.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools
• numbness or tingling sensation around the face, slurred speech, muscle weakness, loss of balance
• pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:

• certain antibiotics e.g. amphotericin B, cefalotin, polymyxin B, vancomycin
• certain medicines used for blocking pain and sensation, and relaxing the muscles during procedures e.g. tubocurarine, succinylcholine

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Colistin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.