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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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| Contents of this page: | |
Your doctor has ordered colistimethate, an antibiotic, to help treat your infection. The drug will be either injected directly into a vein through a needle or catheter or added to an intravenous fluid that will drip through a needle or catheter into a vein. You will either receive a continuous dose of this medication through your intravenous fluids or receive it two to four times a day.
Colistimethate eliminates bacteria that cause many kinds of infections. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how you respond to themedication.
Before administering colistimethate,
Before you administer colistimethate, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Observe the solution container to make sure there are no leaks.
Do not use the solution if it is discolored or if it contains particles. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.
It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not stop your therapy on your own for any reason because your infection could worsen and result in hospitalization. Do not administer it more often than or for longer periods than your doctor tells you. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider. Your health care provider may tell you to stop your infusion if you have a mechanical problem (such as blockage in the tubing, needle, or catheter); if you have to stop an infusion, call your health care provider immediately so your therapy can continue.
Although side effects from colistimethate are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Your health care provider will probably give you a several-day supply of colistimethate at a time. You will be told how to prepare each dose. Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.
Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of the reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury..
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
You should be aware of the symptoms of infection. If you experience any of these effects near the site where you administer your colistimethate, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:
Last Revised - 01/01/2003
The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |