Sometimes, the bacterial infections we get can be so severe that ordinary antibiotics cannot control them. This is especially true for patients who are hospitalized. In such cases, Colistin is a very strong, special antibiotic that doctors use to control very severe bacterial infections that do not respond to other antibiotics. So today, let's learn more about this Colistin (also known as Colistimethate or Polymyxin E) vaccine.
What kind of medicine is Colistin?
Simply put, Colistin is an antibiotic belonging to the polymyxin class. Its main function is to destroy harmful bacteria that have entered the body.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that this medicine is only given for bacterial infections. It will not cure viral infections like the common cold, flu, and cough.
This is like a special, powerful weapon used against an enemy that cannot be controlled with ordinary weapons. That's why this is not a medicine that is used regularly.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
If your doctor decides to give you or someone in your family this Colistin vaccine, for your own safety, you must tell the doctor the following information. Do not hide this information, as it could be dangerous to your health.
- Kidney disease: If you have a pre-existing kidney disease, be sure to tell your doctor about it. This is very important because Colistin can have some effect on the kidneys.
- Lung disease: If you have a breathing disease like asthma.
- Myasthenia Gravis: This is a condition that causes muscle weakness. If you have this disease, you should tell your doctor.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Colistin, Polymyxin B, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, or are expecting to become pregnant soon.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not like a pill that you would normally take home. Colistin is an injection .
This is usually given to you in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or trained nurse. It is an injection that is given either into a muscle or directly into a vein .
In the rare case that you need to continue this treatment at home after you leave the hospital, the hospital will provide you with the necessary training. If this happens, you should take the medicine exactly as prescribed, at the right time, and in the right dose. Do not stop taking the medicine or skip doses just because you feel better. Take the full course of treatment for the number of days prescribed by your doctor.
If you use vaccines at home...
If you need to get this vaccine at home, never throw used syringes and needles in the trash. They can be dangerous to others. They should be disposed of in a special container (sharps container). If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
What are the side effects of the medicine?
Like any medicine, Colistin can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are things that require immediate attention. Let's learn more about them in the table below.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| If these symptoms occur, inform your doctor immediately. | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This is an emergency. |
| Difficulty breathing | If you have difficulty breathing or feel suffocated. |
| Effects on the kidneys | Difficulty urinating, decreased or increased amount of urine, change in urine color. |
| Effects on the nervous system | Confusion, extreme dizziness, loss of balance, numbness in the limbs or around the mouth, difficulty speaking. |
| Severe diarrhea | Watery or bloody diarrhea. |
| Fever | New onset of fever in addition to infection. |
| If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. | |
| Anxious | Feeling a strange uneasiness in the mind. |
| Tiredness | Feeling more tired and exhausted than usual. |
What else should you be concerned about?
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. To reduce the risk of dizziness and falls, especially if you are elderly, take it slowly when getting up from a sitting position and from a sitting position.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking. Especially other antibiotics like Amikacin, Gentamicin, and medications given to relax muscles before surgery can interact with Colistin.
- Diarrhea: If you have diarrhea, don't try to treat it yourself with over-the-counter medications. If you have diarrhea for more than two days , or if it's severe and watery, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you overdose: If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Colistin is a very powerful vaccine used only for severe bacterial infections that are resistant to regular antibiotics.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially kidney disease) and all medications you are taking.
- Take the entire course of treatment prescribed by your doctor without missing a single dose.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, changes in urination, severe dizziness, or severe allergic reactions.
- Avoid driving and activities that require alertness while taking this medication, as drowsiness may occur.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, discuss them with your doctor.
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