Colistimethate 150 mg/2mL Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Polymyxin-class Antibacterial class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Colistimethate injection is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. Colistimethate injection is in a class of medications called antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria. Antibiotics such as colistimethate injection will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Colistimethate may be associated with lower levels of 7 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
Where does this data come from?
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
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IACT rows and label-wide narrative are kept separate; availability and product-level specificity depend on the submitted label.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $15.487 | $15.49 / 1 vial |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $21.11 | $21.11 / 1 vial |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $16.46 | $16.46 / 1 vial |
| Medicare Part B allowsASP · J0770 | $14.494 / J0770 unit | — |
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🧾 Billing & reimbursement
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colistimethate 150 mg 00143-9443-01 | Hikma | 1 vial | $15.487 | AP | Availability likely | — |
| Colistimethate Sodium 150 mg/4mL 23155-0193-31 | Heritage | 1 vial | $15.487 | AP | Availability likely | — |
| Colistimethate 150 mg/2mLthis 63323-0393-06 | Fresenius | 1 vial | $15.487 | AP | Availability likely | — |
| Colistimethate 150 mg 70594-0023-01 | Xellia | 1 vial | $15.487 | AP | Availability likely | — |
| Coly-Mycin M 150 mg/2mL 42023-0107-01 | Par | 1 vial | — | — | FDA listed | — |
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⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
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🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63323-0393-06 You're viewing this | 1 VIAL in 1 BOX (63323-393-06) / 2 mL in 1 VIAL | 2009-12-04 | Active |
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Colistimethate for Injection, USP is indicated for the treatment of acute or chronic infections due to sensitive strains of certain gram-negative bacilli. It is particularly indicated when the infection is caused by sensitive strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa . This antibiotic is not indicated for infections due to Proteus or Neisseria .
Colistimethate for Injection, USP has proven clinically effective in treatment of infections due to the following gram-negative organisms: Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Colistimethate for Injection, USP may be used to initiate therapy in serious infections that are suspected to be due to gram-negative organisms and in the treatment of infections due to susceptible gram-negative pathogenic bacilli. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Colistimethate for Injection, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Colistimethate for Injection, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Colistimethate for Injection, USP is supplied in vials containing colistimethate sodium equivalent to 150 mg colistin base activity per vial. Reconstitution for Intravenous or Intramuscular Administration The 150 mg vial should be reconstituted with 2 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP. The reconstituted solution provides colistimethate sodium at a concentration equivalent to 75 mg/mL colistin base activity.
During reconstitution swirl gently to avoid frothing. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. If these conditions are observed, the product should not be used.
Dosage Adults and Pediatric Patients — Intravenous or Intramuscular Administration The dose of Colistimethate for Injection, USP should be 2.5 to 5 mg/kg per day of colistin base in 2 to 4 divided doses for patients with normal renal function, depending on the severity of the infection. In obese individuals, dosage should be based on ideal body weight. The daily dose and frequency should be reduced for the patients with renal impairment.
Suggested modifications of dosage schedule for patients with renal impairment are presented in Table 1. TABLE 1. Suggested Modification of Dosage Schedules of Colistimethate for Injection, USP for Adults with Impaired Renal Function Degree of Renal Impairment Normal Mild Moderate Severe Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) ≥ 80 50 to 79 30 to 49 10 to 29 Dosage Schedule 2.5 to 5 mg/kg, divided into 2 to 4 doses per day 2.5 to 3.8 mg/kg, divided into 2 doses per day 2.5 mg/kg, once daily or divided into 2 doses per day 1.5 mg/kg, every 36 hours Note: The suggested total daily dose is calculated from colistin base activity.
Important Colistimethate for Injection, USP is supplied in vials containing colistimethate sodium equivalent to 150 mg colistin base activity per vial.
Reconstitution for Intravenous or Intramuscular Administration The 150 mg vial should be reconstituted with 2 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP. The reconstituted solution provides colistimethate sodium at a concentration equivalent to 75 mg/mL colistin base activity. During reconstitution swirl gently to avoid frothing.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. If these conditions are observed, the product should not be used.
Dosage Adults and Pediatric Patients — Intravenous or Intramuscular Administration The dose of Colistimethate for Injection, USP should be 2.5 to 5 mg/kg per day of colistin base in 2 to 4 divided doses for patients with normal renal function, depending on the severity of the infection. In obese individuals, dosage should be based on ideal body weight. The daily dose and frequency should be reduced for the patients with renal impairment.
Suggested modifications of dosage schedule for patients with renal impairment are presented in Table 1. TABLE 1. Suggested Modification of Dosage Schedules of Colistimethate for Injection, USP for Adults with Impaired Renal Function Degree of Renal Impairment Normal Mild Moderate Severe Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) ≥ 80 50 to 79 30 to 49 10 to 29 Dosage Schedule 2.5 to 5 mg/kg, divided into 2 to 4 doses per day 2.5 to 3.8 mg/kg, divided into 2 doses per day 2.5 mg/kg, once daily or divided into 2 doses per day 1.5 mg/kg, every 36 hours Note: The suggested total daily dose is calculated from colistin base activity.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of Colistimethate for Injection, USP is contraindicated for patients with a history of sensitivity to the drug or any of its components.
⚠️ Warnings ▾
WARNINGS Maximum daily dose calculated from colistin base activity should not exceed 5 mg/kg/day with normal renal function. Transient neurological disturbances may occur. These include circumoral paresthesia or numbness, tingling or formication of the extremities, generalized pruritus, vertigo, dizziness, and slurring of speech.
For these reasons, patients should be warned not to drive vehicles or use hazardous machinery while on therapy. Reduction of dosage may alleviate symptoms. Therapy need not be discontinued, but such patients should be observed with particular care.
Nephrotoxicity can occur and is probably a dose-dependent effect of colistimethate sodium. These manifestations of nephrotoxicity are reversible following discontinuation of the antibiotic. Overdosage can result in renal insufficiency, muscle weakness, and apnea (see OVERDOSAGE section).
See PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions subsection for use concomitantly with other antibiotics and curariform drugs. Respiratory arrest has been reported following intramuscular administration of colistimethate sodium. Impaired renal function increases the possibility of apnea and neuromuscular blockade following administration of colistimethate sodium.
Therefore, it is important to follow recommended dosing guidelines. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section for use in renal impairment. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Colistimethate for Injection, USP, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.
Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy.
CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued.
Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions have been reported: Gastrointestinal - gastrointestinal upset Nervous System - tingling of extremities and tongue, slurred speech, dizziness, vertigo, paresthesia, and seizures Integumentary - generalized itching, urticaria and rash Body as a Whole - fever and anaphylaxis Laboratory Deviations - increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), elevated creatinine and decreased creatinine clearance Respiratory System - respiratory distress and apnea Renal System - nephrotoxicity and decreased urine output For medical advice about adverse reactions contact your medical professional.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC, at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE Overdosage with colistimethate sodium can cause neuromuscular blockade characterized by paresthesia, lethargy, confusion, dizziness, ataxia, nystagmus, disorders of speech and apnea. Respiratory muscle paralysis may lead to apnea, respiratory arrest and death. Overdosage with the drug can also cause acute renal failure, manifested as decreased urine output and increases in serum concentrations of BUN and creatinine.
As in any case of overdose, colistimethate sodium therapy should be discontinued and general supportive measures should be utilized. It is unknown whether colistimethate sodium can be removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis in overdose cases.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Typical serum and urine levels following a single 150 mg dose of colistimethate IM or IV in normal adult subjects are shown in Figure 1. Higher serum levels were obtained at 10 minutes following IV administration. Serum concentration declined with a half-life of 2 to 3 hours following either intravenous or intramuscular administration in adults and in the pediatric population, including premature infants.
Average urine levels ranged from about 270 mcg/mL at 2 hours to about 15 mcg/mL at 8 hours after intravenous administration and from 200 to about 25 mcg/mL during a similar period following intramuscular administration. Microbiology Colistimethate sodium is a surface active agent which penetrates into and disrupts the bacterial cell membrane. It has been shown to have bactericidal activity against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in INDICATIONS AND USAGE section: Aerobic gram-negative microorganisms Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa .
Susceptibility Tests Colistimethate sodium is no longer listed as an antimicrobial for routine testing and reporting by clinical microbiology laboratories. figure
Microbiology Colistimethate sodium is a surface active agent which penetrates into and disrupts the bacterial cell membrane. It has been shown to have bactericidal activity against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in INDICATIONS AND USAGE section:
Aerobic gram-negative microorganisms Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa .
Susceptibility Tests Colistimethate sodium is no longer listed as an antimicrobial for routine testing and reporting by clinical microbiology laboratories.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Colistimethate for Injection, USP is supplied in vials containing colistimethate sodium (equivalent to 150 mg colistin base activity per vial) as a white to slightly yellow lyophilized cake, packaged individually. Product No. NDC No.
309306 63323-393-06 The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex. Store unreconstituted product between 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) (see USP Controlled Room Temperature). Store reconstituted solution in refrigerator 2º to 8ºC (36º to 46ºF) or between 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) and use within 7 days.
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Colistimethate for Injection, USP is a sterile parenteral antibiotic product which, when reconstituted (see Reconstitution ), is suitable for intramuscular or intravenous administration. The color of the reconstituted solution is colorless to light yellow. Each vial contains colistimethate sodium or pentasodium colistinmethanesulfonate (150 mg colistin base activity) as a white to slightly yellow lyophilized cake.
The sodium content is approximately 0.07 mg (0.003 mEq) of sodium per milligram of Colistin. Colistimethate sodium is a polypeptide antibiotic with an approximate molecular weight of 1,750. The molecular formula is C 58 H 105 N 16 Na 5 O 28 S 5 and the structural formula is represented below: pentasodium colistinmethanesulfonate (colistimethate sodium) Dbu is 2, 4-diaminobutanoic acid, R is 5-methylheptyl in colistin A and 5-methylhexyl in colistin B micro