Colistimethate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 11, 2024.

Applies to colistimethate: injection powder for solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress closely during treatment to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Colistimethate injection may cause some people to become dizzy or to have numbness and tingling sensations in the hands, toes, and feet. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or do not have normal feelings in your hands and feet. If these symptoms are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.

Serious lung or breathing problems may occur after you get a shot of this medicine into one of your muscles. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have any change in your breathing after you receive this medicine.

Colistimethate injection may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop using this medicine. Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer. If you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues, or gets worse, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor right away if you or your child has bloody urine, decrease in frequency or amount of urine, increase in blood pressure, increased thirst, loss of appetite, lower back or side pain, nausea, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or weight gain. These could be symptoms of a serious kidney problem.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of colistimethate

Along with its needed effects, colistimethate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking colistimethate:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking colistimethate:

Symptoms of overdose

• bluish lips or skin
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• confusion
• dizziness
• mood or mental changes
• not breathing
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• uncontrolled eye movements
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Other side effects of colistimethate

Some side effects of colistimethate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to colistimethate: compounding powder, injectable powder for injection.

Nervous system adverse events

Nervous system side effects have included tingling of the tongue and extremities, slurred speech, dizziness, vertigo, paresthesia, confusion, psychosis, and seizures. Neuromuscular blockade may occur with overdoses.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included respiratory distress and apnea. Inhalation treatment has been associated with cough and bronchospasm. At least one case of fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome with nebulized colistimethate has been reported.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included generalized itching, urticaria, and rash.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and vomiting.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included rash, drug fever, and eosinophilia.^[Ref]

Local

Local side effects have included pain at the injection site.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included muscular weakness.^[Ref]

Other

Other side effects have included fever.^[Ref]

Renal

Renal side effects have included increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, nephrotoxicity, decreased urine output, acute tubular necrosis, and hematuria.^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Colistimethate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer