Colistimethate Sodium

Colistimethate for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of acute or chronic infections due to sensitive strains of certain gram-negative bacilli. It is particularly indicated when the infection is caused by sensitive strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa . This antibiotic is not indicated for infections due to Proteus or Neisseria . Colistimethate for Injection, USP has proven clinically effective in treatment of infections due to the following gram-negative organisms: Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Colistimethate for Injection, USP may be used to initiate therapy in serious infections that are suspected to be due to gram-negative organisms and in the treatment of infections due to susceptible gram-negative pathogenic bacilli. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Colistimethate for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Colistimethate for Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

The use of Colistimethate for Injection, USP is contraindicated for patients with a history of sensitivity to the drug or any of its components.

Maximum daily dose calculated from colistin base activity should not exceed 5 mg/kg/day with normal renal function. Transient neurological disturbances may occur. These include circumoral paresthesia or numbness, tingling or formication of the extremities, generalized pruritus, vertigo, dizziness, and slurring of speech. For these reasons, patients should be warned not to drive vehicles or use hazardous machinery while on therapy.

Reduction of dosage may alleviate symptoms. Therapy need not be discontinued, but such patients should be observed with particular care. Nephrotoxicity can occur and is probably a dosedependent effect of colistimethate sodium. These manifestations of nephrotoxicity are reversible following discontinuation of the antibiotic. Overdosage can result in renal insufficiency, muscle weakness, and apnea (see OVERDOSAGE section).