Colistimetato sodico per infezione
Colobreathe, Colomycin, Promixin
Revisione paritaria di Sid DajaniUltimo aggiornamento di Michael Stewart, MRPharmSUltimo aggiornamento 19 Gen 2023
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Colistimethate sodium is an antibiotic. It is breathed into the lungs to treat chest infections in people with cystic fibrosis.
Your doctor or nurse will show you how to use it and give you the first few doses. If you are unsure about anything, ask for further advice.
A colpo d'occhio
Colistimethate sodium is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria.
It is available as capsules and powder for inhalation, and as an injection.
It is inhaled to treat chest infections in people with conditions like cystic fibrosis.
Common side-effects when inhaled include coughing, chest tightness, and an unpleasant taste.
Rinse your mouth with water after each dose to reduce the risk of mouth infections.
If you have kidney problems or myasthenia gravis, tell your doctor before use.
About colistimethate sodium
Tipo di medicinale | Polymyxin antibiotic |
Utilizzato per | Chest infections in people with cystic fibrosis Infections caused by organisms which other antibiotics are not able to treat |
Chiamato anche | Colomycin®; Promixin®; Colobreathe® (It was previously called colistin sulfomethate sodium) |
Disponibile come | Capsules and powder for inhalation, and injection |
Colistimethate sodium is an antibiotico which is used to treat infections caused by certain types of germs (bacteria). It works by killing the bacteria causing the infection. It is not absorbed by the body if it is taken by mouth, so instead it is given by injection or breathed into the lungs (inhaled). It is inhaled when it is for an infection which affects the lungs only (such as in people with fibrosi cistica). It is given by injection for infections which affect the body generally.
The rest of this leaflet deals with colistimethate sodium when it is inhaled for chest infections in people with conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
In people with cystic fibrosis, the cells that line the airways make phlegm (mucus) that is thicker than normal. This is not cleared from the lungs easily, and can trap bacteria and lead to infection. A germ (bacterium) called Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly lives in the thick mucus in the airways. To keep it from flaring up into repeated infections, colistimethate sodium is inhaled into the lungs by nebuliser or inhaler device.
Before using colistimethate sodium
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using colistimethate sodium it is important that your doctor knows:
Se sei incinta, stai cercando di avere un bambino o stai allattando.
If you have problems with the way your kidneys work.
Se hai una condizione che causa debolezza muscolare, chiamata miastenia grave.
Se hai un raro disturbo ereditario del sangue chiamato porfiria.
Se stai assumendo altri medicinali. Questo include qualsiasi medicinale che stai assumendo e che è disponibile per l'acquisto senza prescrizione medica, così come i medicinali a base di erbe e complementari.
Se hai mai avuto una reazione allergica a un medicinale.
How to take colistimethate sodium
Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about the medicine and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from using it.
Use colistimethate sodium exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your doctor or nurse will give you/your child the first few doses and show you what to do. Ask for further information if there is anything you are not sure about.
If you are using a nebuliser, you will be shown how to make up the solution and how to nebulise it. As a guide only, the usual dose nebulised by adults and children over 2 years of age is 1 to 2 million units (1-2 vials) two or three times daily. This dose may be increased from time to time when needed.
If you have been given Colobreathe® capsules with an inhaler device, use one capsule in the device twice daily, 12 hours apart.
Insert the capsule widest end first into the inhaler chamber.
Pierce the capsule gradually using a two-step process (your nurse/doctor will demonstrate this for you) and remember only to pierce each capsule once.
Place the mouthpiece between your lips and form a seal around it.
Breathe in slowly but deeply so that you hear the capsule spin inside the inhaler.
Hold your breath for around ten seconds, or as long as you feel able to.
Remember to rinse out your mouth with water after each dose of Colobreathe® to remove any medicine that has deposited in your throat. This will reduce the risk of mouth infections and will help to remove the taste from the powder in the capsules.
Colobreathe® capsules must fare affidamento be swallowed. They are not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
Try not to miss any doses. If you do forget a dose, have it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not have two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Ottenere il massimo dal tuo trattamento
Cerca di mantenere i tuoi appuntamenti regolari con il tuo medico. Questo è per permettere al tuo medico di controllare i tuoi progressi.
Your doctor may recommend another type of inhaler (a bronchodilator) to widen your airways as much as possible so that colistimethate can get deeper into your lungs. If this is the case, always use the inhaler before having a dose of colistimethate sodium.
All people with cystic fibrosis should be up to date with routine immunisations and have an annual flu jab to prevent influenza. It is also important to be immunised with pneumococcal vaccine to help prevent pneumonia caused by this bacterium.
It is important for people with cystic fibrosis to exercise and to be as active and fit as possible. So, sports and games such as running, swimming, football and tennis are encouraged.
If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are having this medicine. This is because colistimethate sodium can interfere with some anaesthetics and they may not be suitable for you.
Se acquisti dei medicinali, verifica con un farmacista che siano adatti da assumere insieme agli altri tuoi medicinali.
Can colistimethate sodium cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with inhaled colistimethate sodium. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
Common colistimethate sodium side-effects - these can affect more than 1 in 10 people who use this medicine | Cosa posso fare se sperimento questo? |
Coughing and chest tightness | If you have been given a medicine to widen your airways (a bronchodilator), remember to use it before you use colistimethate sodium. Let your doctor know if this problem continues |
Unpleasant taste, voice changes | After each dose, remember to rinse your mouth with water, then spit the water out |
Sore mouth and sore throat | Informi il suo medico di questo |
Sensazione di nausea | Let your doctor know if this continues |
Se si verificano altri sintomi che ritieni possano essere dovuti a questo medicinale, discutine con il tuo medico o farmacista.
How to store colistimethate sodium
Tenere tutti i medicinali fuori dalla portata e dalla vista dei bambini.
Conservare in un luogo fresco e asciutto, lontano da fonti di calore e luce diretta.
Informazioni importanti su tutti i medicinali
Informazioni importanti su tutti i medicinali
Non assumere mai più della dose prescritta. Se sospetti che tu o qualcun altro possa aver assunto un sovradosaggio di questo medicinale, recati al pronto soccorso del tuo ospedale locale. Porta con te il contenitore, anche se è vuoto.
Questo medicinale è per te. Non darlo mai ad altre persone, anche se la loro condizione sembra essere la stessa della tua.
Non conservare medicinali scaduti o indesiderati. Portali alla tua farmacia locale che li smaltirà per te.
Se hai domande su questo medicinale, chiedi al tuo farmacista.
Segnala effetti collaterali di un medicinale o vaccino
Se si verificano effetti collaterali, è possibile segnalarli online tramite il Sito web Yellow Card.

Non sei sicuro di mescolare i medicinali?
Controlla le possibili interazioni tra farmaci, integratori e alimenti prima di assumerli insieme.
Domande frequenti
Why is colistimethate sodium not absorbed by the body if taken by mouth?
Colistimethate sodium is designed to be effective against bacteria in specific areas. It is not absorbed into the bloodstream if swallowed, which is why it is delivered either by injection for general infections or inhaled directly into the lungs for lung-specific infections, such as those in people with cystic fibrosis.
What is the typical age range for children to use Colobreathe capsules?
Colobreathe capsules are not suitable for children under 6 years of age. For older children and adults, it is typically used with an inhaler device.
What should I do if I accidentally swallow a Colobreathe capsule?
Colobreathe capsules must not be swallowed. They are intended for inhalation through a specific device. The article does not specify what to do if a capsule is accidentally swallowed, but it's important to use them as directed.
How often should I follow up with my doctor while using colistimethate sodium?
You should try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor while on this treatment. These appointments are important so your doctor can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Why is it important to exercise and stay active if I have cystic fibrosis and am using this medicine?
It is important for people with cystic fibrosis to exercise and be as active and fit as possible. Engaging in sports and games like running, swimming, football, and tennis is encouraged to help manage the condition.
Ulteriori letture e riferimenti
- Manufacturer's PIL, Promixin® 1 million International Units (IU) Powder for Nebuliser Solution; Zambon UK Ltd (formerly Profile Pharma Limited), The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2022.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Colobreathe® inhalation powder capsules; Teva UK Limited, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2020.
- Medicinali Completi BNF 89ª Edizione; Associazione Medica Britannica e Società Farmaceutica Reale di Gran Bretagna, Londra.
Informazioni sull'autoreVisualizza il profilo completo

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS
Responsabile Revisione Foglietti Illustrativi – Contrattista, Farmacista
BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS
Michael è un farmacista comunitario che esercita nelle Midlands e nel South Yorkshire con oltre 20 anni di esperienza nel consigliare su farmaci e condizioni mediche. Ha una solida esperienza nella formazione sanitaria, avendo prodotto e tenuto corsi di formazione per team di farmacia e personale di strutture di assistenza residenziale, inclusi infermieri. Ha anche contribuito a consigli consultivi farmaceutici per la gestione di condizioni a bassa gravità nella comunità.
Informazioni sul recensore

Sid Dajani
Sultan Dajani si è laureato alla London School of Pharmacy nel 1994 ed è diventato il più giovane membro eletto del consiglio della Royal Pharmaceutical Society dalla sua fondazione nel 1842.
Storia dell'articolo
Le informazioni su questa pagina sono scritte e revisionate da clinici qualificati.
Articolo disponibile anche in Inglese, Tedesco, Spagnolo, Francese, Italiano, Portoghese, Hindi, Ebraico, Arabo, and Svedese.
Prossima revisione prevista: 18 Lug 2027
19 Gen 2023 | Ultima versione

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