Type of medicine: antibiotic
Generic and brand names: colistimethate, injection; Coly-Mycin M Injection
This medicine is given by injection (shots) or IV infusion (slow drip through a needle) to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. It does not cure viral infections such as colds and the flu.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine is given by your healthcare provider. It may be given by IV infusion or through a catheter (tube).
This medicine can cause dizziness and numbness in your hands and feet. Do not drive or operate machinery while you are being treated with this medicine.
This medicine may cause or worsen diarrhea. If you develop severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than 2 or 3 days while taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not treat yourself. Some diarrhea medicine will make your diarrhea worse. Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk of side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat.)
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Trouble urinating or decrease in urine output; tingling in the arms, legs, or tongue; severe diarrhea; slurred speech; muscle weakness; trouble walking; fever; blurred vision.
Other: Dizziness, stomach pain, pain at the injection site.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
