Colistin Sulphate
About
Colistin Sulphate belongs to the class of medications called ‘antibiotics’ used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria. Bacterial infections are caused by the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Symptoms of bacterial infection vary depending on the organ affected by bacteria.
Colistin Sulphate contains Colistin Sulphate. Colistin effectively solubilizes the bacterial cell membrane, resulting in bacterial cell death. As a result, Colistin Sulphate destroys the bacteria and successfully treats the infection.
Take Colistin Sulphate as prescribed by your doctor. Depending on your medical condition, you are advised to take Colistin Sulphate for as long as your doctor prescribes it. Sometimes, you may experience common side effects like dizziness, upset stomach, rash, diarrhoea, vertigo (spinning sensation), paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation) and slurred speech. But these side effects are usually in the initial phase and resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist, let your doctor know.
Before receiving Colistin Sulphate, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using. And also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Colistin Sulphate can cause blurred vision and dizziness in some people; if this occurs, do not drive or operate tools or machinery. It is recommended not to consume any alcoholic beverages while on treatment with this medicine.
Uses of Colistin Sulphate
Medicinal Benefits
Colistin Sulphate contains Colistin Sulphate, which is used for treating acute or chronic infections due to sensitive strains of certain gram-negative bacilli, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Colistin sulphate effectively solubilizes the bacterial cell membrane, resulting in bacterial cell death. As a result, Colistin Sulphate destroys the bacteria and successfully treats the infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Colistin Sulphate
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Rash
- Diarrhoea
- Kidney damage
- Vertigo (Spinning sensation)
- Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
- Slurred speech
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking the Colistin Sulphate, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before receiving Colistin Sulphate. Also, inform your doctor if you have chronic kidney disease, myasthenia gravis (muscle disorder), and porphyria (a blood disorder). Do not abruptly discontinue taking the prescription since this may result in antibiotic resistance, a condition in which bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Colistin Sulphate is known to interact with selective skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), antifungals (e.g. amphotericin B) and aminoglycosides (e.g. capreomycin, vancomycin)
Drug-Food Interactions: Colistin Sulphate is known to interact with alcohol and Grapefruit.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Colistin Sulphate is known to interact with disease conditions, including kidney problems, myasthenia gravis (a muscle disorder), and porphyria (a blood disorder).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionColistin Sulphate is known to cause drowsiness. Taking alcohol along with it may increase drowsiness and cause excessive sleepiness.
Pregnancy
cautionColistin Sulphate should not be used in pregnancy unless necessary. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Colistin Sulphate.
Breast Feeding
cautionColistin Sulphate should not be used in breastfeeding unless necessary. Inform your doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Colistin Sulphate.
Driving
cautionColistin Sulphate may cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
consult your doctorColistin Sulphate should be used with caution if you have liver disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Kidney
consult your doctorColistin Sulphate should be used with caution if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
cautionColistin Sulphate is probably safe when used in children who are above 40 kgs in weight. However, your child's doctor will adjust the dose based on the age, body weight and health condition of your child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After taking the full course of Colistin Sulphate, probiotics should be taken to restore some of the healthy bacteria in the intestine that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Certain fermented foods like yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut and kimchi can restore the intestine's good bacteria stink.
- Include more fibre-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Thus fibre foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after taking a course of antibiotics. Whole grains, like whole-grain bread and brown rice, should be included in your diet.
- Avoid taking many calcium-enriched foods and drinks as it might affect the working of Colistin Sulphate.
- Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Colistin Sulphate as it can make you dehydrated and affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Colistin Sulphate in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply and infect the body. It can target any organ of the body and multiply very quickly. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses (like sore throat and ear infections) to severe brain infections (like meningitis and encephalitis). When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills and fatigue. A few harmful bacteria commonly cause infections, including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and E. coli. Anyone can get a bacterial infection, but people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines like steroids are more prone to infections.
FAQs
Colistin Sulphate contains Colistin Sulphate, an anti-bacterial medicine used to treat severe bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacterial cell walls, which is required for bacteria's growth and multiplication.
Before taking Colistin Sulphate, let your doctor know if you have or ever had any problems related to your kidneys/liver or lungs (such as asthma). Also, mention all the other medicines you are taking to avoid any drug interaction.
No, Colistin Sulphate does not treat cold and flu infections. It is used to treat severe bacterial infections and should be taken only if prescribed by a doctor.
After taking Colistin Sulphate, you may have diarrhoea. Colistin Sulphate is an antibiotic that kills or prevents bacterial growth. Some good intestinal bacteria that aid digestion might also be killed. So, drink plenty of fluids and take probiotics to prevent excessive loss of fluids from the body (dehydration). Consult the doctor if diarrhoea worsens, and never take anti-diarrhoea medication without consulting a doctor.
Colistin Sulphate is safe for the elderly population, but if you have any kidney problem, then Colistin Sulphate should be used with caution as it might lead to kidney complications and slow overall body processes. In such cases, inform your doctor before starting Colistin Sulphate so that dose adjustment can be made.
Colistin Sulphate may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) not to work either. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
