What's the dose of colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M)?

Dosing for colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) will depend on your weight, how healthy your kidneys are, and the severity of your infection. In general, the typical dose of colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) for adults and children is 2.5 to 5 mg/kg per day, which is split up 2 to 4 times per day and injected into the vein or muscle. Your dose might be lower or less frequent if you have kidney problems.

colistimethate

Q: What is colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) used for?

Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) is used for the treatment of a variety of infections caused by *Klebsiella aerogenes*, *Escherichia coli*, *Klebsiella pneumoniae*, and *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*. These bacteria can cause infections in many parts of the body, such as the bladder, blood, skin, and lungs.

Q: When is colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) considered for use?

Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) is an older antibiotic that isn't as commonly used today because it can [seriously damage your kidneys](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27993859/) and also cause nervous system problems. It's [most often used](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2869076/) in people who have certain [resistant bacteria](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/infections/superbugs-and-antibiotic-resistance) (bacteria that's difficult to fight off, even with the use of many antibiotics). Although less common, colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) can be considered an [empiric antibiotic](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213716519301535). [Empiric therapy](https://journals.lww.com/americantherapeutics/Abstract/2016/07000/Empiric_Antibiotic_Therapy_of_Nosocomial_Bacterial.3.aspx) means it's used to treat several bacteria before it's known which specific bacteria is causing the infection.

Q: How does colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) work?

Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by destroying the protective covering around them.

Q: How is colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) given?

Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) is given as an injection through the veins or into the muscle. It's typically given to people in the hospital by a healthcare provider. But, depending on the infection, some people might be able to take colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) at home under instructions from their provider.

Q: What are common side effects of colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M)?

Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) might cause serious side effects, such as slurred speech, dizziness, seizures, anaphylaxis (closing of the throat), nerve damage (tingling in arms, legs, or tongue), and kidney problems. Less severe side effects include stomach upset, itching, and rash.

Generic Coly-Mycin M

Used for Bacterial Infection

Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) is an older antibiotic typically used for the treatment of a variety of infections caused by four specific types of bacteria. It's given as an injection through the vein or the muscle. It's not commonly used today because of the risk of serious side effects, but it's still a good choice for the treatment of resistant bacteria.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 27, 2022

What is Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M)?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Coly-Mycin M
Drug Class	Antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Coly-Mycin M

Drug Class

Antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Colistimethate

Colistimethate is used for the treatment of a variety of infections caused by Klebsiella aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria can cause infections in many parts of the body, such as the bladder, blood, skin, and lungs.

Colistimethate is an older antibiotic that isn't as commonly used today because it can seriously damage your kidneys and also cause nervous system problems. It's most often used in people who have certain resistant bacteria (bacteria that's difficult to fight off, even with the use of many antibiotics). Although less common, Colistimethate can be considered an empiric antibiotic. Empiric therapy means it's used to treat several bacteria before it's known which specific bacteria is causing the infection.

Colistimethate is an antibiotic that kills bacteria by destroying the protective covering around them.

Colistimethate is given as an injection through the veins or into the muscle. It's typically given to people in the hospital by a healthcare provider. But, depending on the infection, some people might be able to take Colistimethate at home under instructions from their provider.

Dosing for Colistimethate will depend on your weight, how healthy your kidneys are, and the severity of your infection. In general, the typical dose of Colistimethate for adults and children is 2.5 to 5 mg/kg per day, which is split up 2 to 4 times per day and injected into the vein or muscle. Your dose might be lower or less frequent if you have kidney problems.

Colistimethate might cause serious side effects, such as slurred speech, dizziness, seizures, anaphylaxis (closing of the throat), nerve damage (tingling in arms, legs, or tongue), and kidney problems. Less severe side effects include stomach upset, itching, and rash.

Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) dosage

Typical dosage for Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M)

Interactions between Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) and other drugs

Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Colistimethate (Coly-Mycin M). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.