What is the use of Colistin injection?

Colistin injection is a last-resort antibiotic used when other treatments for infections like pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections have failed.

3759
3.5 Minute

16-07-2024 Team Medicover General Medicine

Overview Of Colistin Injection

Q: What conditions might warrant the use of colistin?

Colistin is a potent polymyxin antibiotic effective against most Gram-negative pathogenic bacilli, including those resistant to earlier antibiotics. It is used for severe or life-threatening infections as a last-resort antibiotic.

Depending on the nature of bacterial infections, they could be serious health hazards and require strong antibiotics to detect them. One of the antibiotics is administered through injection, which goes through holistic! Next, in these sections, you will find more on why colistin injection is used and what it should be administered with, followed by its dosage details and side effects as well.

What is Colistin?

Colistin is a polymyxin antibiotic used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. Colistin turns an acidic wash inside bacterial cells, killing them.

Uses of Colistin Injection

Colistin injection is used to treat severe bacterial infections in the following cases:

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Infections Due to Multidrug

Colistin is frequently used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, which are antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As a result, it is one of the last options to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

Respiratory Infections

Colistin injections can also be used to treat certain severe respiratory infections (including "ventilator-associated pneumonia" and bronchitis) caused by some strains of Gram-negative bacteria. The infections can involve pneumonia and bronchitis.

Urinary Tract Infections

Colistin injection is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, including pneumonia and skin, blood, bone, joint, and stomach infections. It is part of a class of medications called antibiotics.

Bloodstream Infections

It can be used to treat severe bloodstream infections (sepsis) caused by resistant bacteria.

Dosage forms of Colistin Injection

Colistimethate sodium is given as an injection that must be diluted in saline before being administered, and it will need to be slowly infused into your vein - a process known as intravenous (IV) infusion. Here's a general guide:

Preparation

Reconstitution:Colistin comes in powder form and must be reconstituted with a sterile solution prior to injection.
Dose:The dose is usually calculated based on the patient's weight and the severity of the infection.

Administration

Intra-Venous Shot:Colistin is usually injected into a vein. This way, the medication can easily reach your blood and take effect shortly after.
Monitoring:Patients who are being treated with injections of colistimethate sodium should be closely monitored for adverse reactions or side effects.

Colistin Injection Dose

Dosage of colistin injection:Depending on several factors, the dose comes.
Standard Dosage
Adults:2.5 to 5 mg/kg per day (1) in two or three divided doses
Dosage of Zantac For Children:In children, the dosage may be based on weight and vary.

Special Considerations

Renal Function:The dose must be adjusted in patients with Renal impairment so that it remains within toxic limits.
Infection Severity:More severe infections will usually require a higher dose

Colistin Injection Side Effects

Colistin injection, like all medications, can cause side effects. Knowing precisely what they are can help you address them more appropriately.

Common Side Effects

Renal toxicity:The most severe side effect is renal injury. Kidney checks are also essential to do on a routine basis.
Neurotoxicity:Neurocognitive effects such as dizziness, confusion and muscle weakness may occur.

Some may even develop allergic reactions, mild-to-severe in intensity - rashes to anaphylaxis.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Managing Side Effects

Hydration:Keeping well-hydrated can help minimize the chance of damage to your kidneys.
Surveillance:Monitoring for changes in kidney and liver function with periodic blood tests can help detect side effects early.
Dose adjustment:titrate the dose depending upon patient response and tolerability to mitigate any potential risks.
Compositions:Each ml contains Colistin base sulphate U.S.P.

Other than injections, colistin is also available as an oral suspension called Colistin Sulphate Oral Suspension. It is used for various forms of infections and has different methods of administration.

Conclusion

Colistin injection is a potent antibiotic used for the treatment of dangerous infections, such as those caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Importantly, for effective and safe use of this substance, a proper understanding of its uses, dosage administration method, mechanism of action, side effects, etc., is vital to all who are concerned with it. Please consult a healthcare practitioner for specific health conditions and concerns.

By keeping up with these colistin injection facts, you can handle bacterial infections efficiently and help the global fight against antibiotic resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

A last-resort antibiotic is used when all other treatments for infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections are no longer effective.

Colistin is a potent polymyxin antibiotic that is effective against most Gram-negative pathogenic bacilli, including those resistant to earlier generations of antibiotics. Colistin is a medication that can be used for severe or life-threatening infections as it is an antibiotic of last resort.

In India, the cost of a 150 mg injection of colistin can range approximately from INR 200 to INR 500, depending on the brand and the specific healthcare provider. Prices may vary, so it's best to check with local pharmacies for current rates.

The cost of intravenous colistin therapy can vary widely depending on factors such as the dosage, duration of treatment, brand, and hospital or clinic charges. Generally, in India, a course of intravenous colistin therapy can range from INR 3,000 to INR 10,000 or more. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or hospital for precise cost estimates.

Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.