Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Coly Mycin M

Generic Name: colistimethate (Pronunciation: koe LIS ti METH ate)

• What is colistimethate (Coly Mycin M)?
• What are the possible side effects of colistimethate (Coly Mycin M)?
• What is the most important information I should know about colistimethate (Coly Mycin M)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking colistimethate (Coly Mycin M)?
• How should I take colistimethate (Coly Mycin M)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Coly Mycin M)?
• What happens if I overdose (Coly Mycin M)?
• What should I avoid while taking colistimethate (Coly Mycin M)?
• What other drugs will affect colistimethate (Coly Mycin M)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is colistimethate (Coly Mycin M)?

Colistimethate is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Colistimethate is used to treat infections caused by bacteria.

Colistimethate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of colistimethate (Coly Mycin M)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fever;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• muscle weakness; or
• trouble breathing.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;
• dizziness, spinning feeling;
• itching, mild skin rash; or
• upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about colistimethate (Coly Mycin M)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to colistimethate.

Before using colistimethate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Colistimethate is given as an injection into a muscle or through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Keep using colistimethate for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Colistimethate will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using colistimethate. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

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