Colistiméthate de sodium pour infection
Colobreathe, Colomycin, Promixin
Revu par Sid DajaniDernière mise à jour par Michael Stewart, MRPharmSDernière mise à jour 19 janv. 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.
En un coup d'œil
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
Type de médicament | Polymyxin antibiotic |
Utilisé pour | Chest infections in people with cystic fibrosis Infections caused by organisms which other antibiotics are not able to treat |
Aussi appelé | Colomycin®; Promixin®; Colobreathe® (It was previously called colistin sulfomethate sodium) |
Disponible sous forme de | Capsules and powder for inhalation, and injection |
Colistimethate sodium is an antibiotique 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 la fibrose kystique). 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:
Si vous êtes enceinte, essayez d'avoir un bébé ou allaitez.
If you have problems with the way your kidneys work.
Si vous avez une affection provoquant une faiblesse musculaire, appelée myasthénie grave.
Si vous avez un trouble sanguin héréditaire rare appelé porphyrie.
Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.
Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.
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 pas 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.
Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement
Essayez de respecter vos rendez-vous réguliers avec votre médecin. Cela permet à votre médecin de suivre vos progrès.
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.
Si vous achetez des médicaments, vérifiez avec un pharmacien qu'ils sont compatibles avec vos autres médicaments.
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 | Que puis-je faire si je ressens cela ? |
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 | Let your doctor know about this |
Sensation de malaise (nausée) | Let your doctor know if this continues |
Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être dus à ce médicament, discutez-en avec votre médecin ou votre pharmacien.
How to store colistimethate sodium
Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.
Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.
Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments
Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments
Ne prenez jamais plus que la dose prescrite. Si vous soupçonnez que vous ou quelqu'un d'autre avez pris une surdose de ce médicament, rendez-vous au service des urgences de votre hôpital local. Emportez le contenant avec vous, même s'il est vide.
Ce médicament est pour vous. Ne le donnez jamais à d'autres personnes, même si leur état semble être le même que le vôtre.
Ne gardez pas de médicaments périmés ou indésirables. Apportez-les à votre pharmacie locale qui s'en débarrassera pour vous.
Si vous avez des questions concernant ce médicament, demandez à votre pharmacien.
Signaler les effets secondaires d'un médicament ou d'un vaccin
Si vous ressentez des effets secondaires, vous pouvez les signaler en ligne via le Site web de Yellow Card.

Vous n'êtes pas sûr de mélanger des médicaments ?
Vérifiez les interactions possibles entre les médicaments, les compléments et les aliments avant de les prendre ensemble.
Questions fréquemment posées
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.
Lectures complémentaires et références
- 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, Le Compendium électronique des Médicaments. Daté d'octobre 2020.
- Médicaments Complets BNF 89e Édition; Association Médicale Britannique et Société Royale Pharmaceutique de Grande-Bretagne, Londres.
À propos de l'auteurVoir la biographie complète

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS
Responsable de l'examen des notices de médicaments – Contractuel, Pharmacien
BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS
Michael est un pharmacien communautaire exerçant dans les Midlands et le South Yorkshire avec plus de 20 ans d'expérience dans le conseil sur les médicaments et les conditions médicales. Il possède une solide expérience en formation dans le domaine de la santé, ayant produit et dispensé des cours de formation pour les équipes de pharmacie et le personnel des établissements de soins résidentiels, y compris les infirmières. Il a également contribué aux comités consultatifs de pharmacie pour la gestion des affections de faible gravité dans la communauté.
À propos du critique

Sid Dajani
Sultan Dajani a obtenu son diplôme à la London School of Pharmacy en 1994 et est devenu le plus jeune membre élu du conseil de la Royal Pharmaceutical Society depuis sa fondation en 1842.
Historique de l'article
Les informations sur cette page sont rédigées et examinées par des cliniciens qualifiés.
Article également disponible en Anglais, Allemand, Espagnol, Français, Italien, Portugais, Hindi, Hébreu, Arabe, and Suédois.
Next review due: 18 Jul 2027
19 janv. 2023 | Dernière version

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