Skip to main content

Colistimethate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2023.

Applies to colistimethate: injection powder for solution.

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:

Incidence not known

  • blood in the urine
  • bluish lips or skin
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
  • change in the frequency or amount of urine
  • chest tightness
  • cough
  • decrease in amount of urine
  • difficulty with breathing or swallowing
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • hives, itching, skin rash
  • increased thirst
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea or vomiting
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • seizures
  • severe abdominal or stomach cramps and pain
  • slurred speech
  • stomach tenderness
  • swelling of the feet or lower legs
  • tingling of the arms, legs, and tongue
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • watery and severe diarrhea, which may also be bloody

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

Symptoms of overdose

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:

Incidence not known

  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • redness of the skin
  • sensation of spinning
  • swelling, tenderness, or pain at the injection site

Managing side effects (general information)

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]

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Coly-Mycin M Parenteral (colistimethate)." Parke-Davis

2. Hartzell JD, Neff R, Ake J, et al. (2009) "Nephrotoxicity Associated with Intravenous Colistin (Colistimethate Sodium) Treatment at a Tertiary Care Medical Center." Clin Infect Dis, 48, p. 1724-8

3. Lindesmith LA, Baines RD Jr, Bigelow DB, Petty TL (1968) "Reversible respiratory paralysis associated with polymyxin therapy." Ann Intern Med, 68, p. 318-27

4. McCoy KS (2007) "Compounded colistimethate as possible cause of fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome." N Engl J Med, 357, p. 2310-1

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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer