ICL 2 Injection
Therapy Area
Anti Infective
1.0 Generic Name
Colistimethate Sodium for Injection IP 1/2/3 Million IU
2.0 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition
ICL-1 Each vial contains:
Colistimethate Sodium IP 1,000,000 IU
(IU: International Units) Excipients q.s
ICL-2 Each vial contains:
Colistimethate Sodium IP 2,000,000 IU
(IU: International Units) Excipients q.s
ICL-3 Each vial contains:
Colistimethate Sodium IP 3,000,000 IU
(IU: International Units) Excipients q.s
3.0 Dosage Form and Strength
Sterile lyophilized powder for solution for injection and infusion; 1/2/3 Million IU
4.0 Clinical Particulars
4.1 Therapeutic indication
For the treatment of some serious infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, including those of the lower respiratory tract and urinary tract, when more commonly used systemic antibacterial agents may be contraindicated or may be ineffective because of bacterial resistance.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Intravenous.
The following dose recommendations are made based on limited population-pharmacokinetic data in critically ill patients:
Adults and adolescents
Maintenance dose 9 million IU/day in 2-3 divided doses.
In patients who are critically ill, a loading dose of 9 MIU should be administered.
The most appropriate time interval to the first maintenance dose has not been established.
Modelling suggests that loading and maintenance doses of up to 12 MIU may be required in patients with good renal function in some cases. Clinical experience with such doses is however extremely limited, and safety has not been established.
The loading dose applies to patients with normal and impaired renal functions including those on renal replacement therapy.
Renal impairment
Dose adjustments in renal impairment are necessary, but pharmacokinetic data available for patients with impaired renal function is very limited.
The following dose adjustments are suggested as guidance.
Dose reductions are recommended for patients with creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min:
Twice daily dosing is recommended.
Creatinine clearance (ml/min) |
Daily dose |
< 50- 30 |
5.5- 7.5 MIU |
<30- 10 |
4.5- 5.5 MIU |
<10 |
3.5 MIU |
MIU = million IU
Haemodialysis and continuous haemo(dia)filtration
Colistin appears to be dialyzable through conventional haemodialysis and continuous venovenous haemo(dia)filtration (CVVHF, CVVHDF). There are extremely limited data from population PK studies from very small numbers of patients on renal replacement therapy. Firm dose recommendations cannot be made. The following regimes could be considered.
Haemodialysis
- No-HD days: 2.25 MIU/day (2.2-2.3 MIU/day).
- HD days: 3 MIU/day on haemodialysis days, to be given after the HD session.
Twice daily dosing is recommended.
CVVHF/ CVVHDF
As in patients with normal renal function. Three times daily dosing is recommended.
Hepatic impairment
There are no data in patients with hepatic impairment. Caution is advised when administering colistimethate sodium in these patients.
Elderly
No dose adjustments in older patients with normal renal function are considered necessary.
Paediatric population
The data supporting the dose regimen in paediatric patients are very limited. Renal maturity should be taken into consideration when selecting the dose. The dose should be based on lean body weight.
Children ≤ 40kg
75,000-150,000 IU/kg/day divided into 3 doses.
For children with a body weight above 40 kg, use of the dosing recommendation for adults should be considered.
The use of doses >150,000 IU/kg/day has been reported in children with cystic fibrosis.
There are no data regarding the use or magnitude of a loading dose in critically ill children.
No dose recommendations have been established in children with impaired renal function.
Intrathecal and intraventricular administration
Based on limited data, the following dose is recommended in adults:
Intraventricular route
125,000 IU/day
Intrathecally administered doses should not exceed those recommended for intraventricular use.
No specific dosing recommendation can be made in children for intrathecal and intraventricular routes of administration.
Method of administration
Colomycin is administered intravenously as a slow infusion over 30 – 60 minutes.
Patients with a totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) in place may tolerate a bolus injection of up to 2 million units in 10ml given over a minimum of 5 minutes.
Colistimethate sodium undergoes hydrolysis to the active substance colistin in aqueous solution. For dose preparation, particularly where combination of multiple vials is needed, reconstitution of the required dose must be performed using strict aseptic technique.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance, colistin or to polymyxin B
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Consideration should be given to co-administering intravenous colistimethate sodium with another antibacterial agent whenever this is possible, taking into account the remaining susceptibilities of the pathogen(s) under treatment. As the development of resistance to intravenous colistin has been reported in particular when it is used as a monotherapy, co- administration with other antibacterial should also be considered in order to prevent the emergence of resistance.
There are limited clinical data on the efficacy and safety of intravenous colistimethate sodium. The recommended doses in all subpopulations are equally based on limited data (clinical and pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamics data). In particular, there are limited safety data for the use of high doses (> 6MIU/day) and the use of a loading dose, and for special populations (patients with renal impairment and the paediatric population). Colistimethate sodium should only be used when other, more commonly prescribed antibiotics are not effective or not appropriate.
Renal function monitoring should be performed at the start of treatment and regularly during treatment in all patients. The dose of colistimethate sodium should be adjusted according to creatinine clearance. Patients who are hypovolaemic or those receiving other potentially nephrotoxic drugs are at increased risk of nephrotoxicity from colistin. Nephrotoxicity has been reported to be associated with cumulative dose and treatment duration in some studies. The benefit of prolonged treatment duration should be balanced against the potentially increased risk of renal toxicity.
Few cases of pseudo-Bartter syndrome have been reported in children and adults with the intravenous use of colistimethate sodium. Monitoring of serum electrolytes should be started in suspected cases and appropriate management should be implemented, however, normalisation of electrolyte imbalance might not be achieved without discontinuation of colistimethate sodium.
Caution is advised when administering colistimethate sodium to infants < 1 year of age as renal function is not fully mature in this age group. Further, the effect of immature renal and metabolic function on the conversion of colistimethate sodium to colistin is not known.
In case of an allergic reaction, treatment with colistimethate sodium must be discontinued and appropriate measures implemented.
High serum concentrations of colistimethate sodium, which may be associated with overdosage or failure to reduce the dosage in patients with renal impairment, have been reported to lead to neurotoxic effects such as facial paraesthesia, muscle weakness, vertigo, slurred speech, vasomotor instability, visual disturbances, confusion, psychosis and apnoea. Monitoring should be performed for perioral paraesthesia and paraesthesia in the extremities, which are signs of overdose.
Colistimethate sodium is known to reduce the presynaptic release of acetyl-choline at the neuro-muscular junction and should be used in patients with myasthenia gravis with the greatest caution and only if clearly needed.
Respiratory arrest has been reported following intramuscular administration of colistimethate sodium. Impaired renal function increases the possibility of apnoea and neuromuscular blockade following administration of colistimethate sodium.
Colistimethate sodium should be used with extreme caution in patients with porphyria.
Antibiotic-associated colitis and pseudomembranous colitis have been reported with nearly all anti-bacterial agents and may occur with colistimethate sodium. They may range from mild to life-threatening in severity. It is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhoea during or after the use of colistimethate sodium. Discontinuation of therapy and the administration of specific treatment for Clostridium difficile should be considered. Medicinal products that inhibit peristalsis should not be given.
Intravenous colistimethate sodium does not cross the blood brain barrier to a clinically relevant extent. The use of intrathecal or intraventricular administration of colistimethate sodium in the treatment of meningitis was not systematically investigated in clinical trials and is supported by case reports only. Data supporting the posology are very limited. The most commonly observed adverse effect of CMS administration was aseptic meningitis.
4.5 Drugs interactions
Concomitant use of intravenous colistimethate sodium with other medications that are potentially nephrotoxic or neurotoxic should be undertaken with great caution.
Caution should be taken with concomitant use with other formulations of colistimethate sodium as there is little experience and there is a possibility of summative toxicity.
No in vivo interaction studies have been performed. The mechanism of conversion of colistimethate sodium to the active substance, colistin, is not characterised. The mechanism of colistin clearance, including renal handling, is equally unknown. Colistimethate sodium or colistin did not induce the activity of any P 450 (CYP) enzyme tested (CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19 and 3A4/5) in in vitro studies in human hepatocytes.
The potential for drug-drug interactions should be borne in mind when colistimethate sodium is co-administered with drugs known to inhibit or induce drug metabolising enzymes or drugs known to be substrates for renal carrier mechanisms.
Due to the effects of colistin on the release of acetylcholine, non-depolarising muscle relaxants should be used with caution in patients receiving colistimethate sodium as their effects could be prolonged.
Co-treatment with colistimethate sodium and macrolides such as azithromycin and clarithromycin, or fluoroquinolones such as norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin should be undertaken with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis.
Concomitant use of colistimethate sodium with other medicinal products of neurotoxic and/or nephrotoxic potential should be avoided. These include the aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin, amikacin, netilmicin and tobramycin. There may be an increased risk of nephrotoxicity if given concomitantly with cephalosporin antibiotics.
4.6 Use in special populations
There are no adequate data from the use of colistimethate sodium in pregnant women. Single dose studies in human pregnancy show that colistimethate sodium crosses the placental barrier and there may be a risk of foetal toxicity if repeated doses are given to pregnant patients. Animal studies are insufficient with respect to the effect of colistimethate sodium on reproduction and development. Colistimethate sodium should be used in pregnancy only if the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Colistimethate sodium is secreted in breast milk. Colistimethate sodium should be administered to breastfeeding women only when clearly needed.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
During parenteral treatment with Colistimethate Sodium neurotoxicity may occur with the possibility of dizziness, confusion or visual disturbance. Patients should be warned not to drive or operate machinery if these effects occur.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Systemic treatment
The likelihood of adverse events may be related to the age, renal function and condition of the patient.
- In cystic fibrosis patients neurological events have been reported in up to 27% of patients. These are generally mild and resolve during or shortly after treatment.
- Neurotoxicity may be associated with overdose, failure to reduce the dose in patients with renal insufficiency and concomitant use of either neuromuscular blocking drugs or other drugs with similar neurological effects. Reducing the dose may alleviate symptoms. Effects may include apnea, transient sensory disturbances (such as facial paraesthesia and vertigo) and, rarely, vasomotor instability, slurred speech, visual disturbances, confusion or psychosis.
- Adverse effects on renal function have been reported, usually following use of higher than recommended doses in patients with normal renal function, or failure to reduce the dosage in patients with renal impairment or during concomitant use of other nephrotoxic drugs. The effects are usually reversible on discontinuation of therapy.
- In cystic fibrosis patients treated within the recommended dosage limits, nephrotoxicity appears to be rare (less than 1%). In seriously ill hospitalised non-CF patients, signs of nephrotoxicity have been reported in approximately 20% of patients.
- Hypersensitivity reactions including skin rash and drug fever have been reported. If these occur treatment should be withdrawn.
- Local irritation at the site of injection may occur.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via email to: medico@zuventus.com
Website: http://www.zuventus.co.in/safety.aspx
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
4.9 Overdose
Overdose can result in neuromuscular blockade that can lead to muscular weakness, apnoea and possible respiratory arrest. Overdose can also cause acute renal failure characterised by decreased urine output and increased serum concentrations of BUN and creatinine.
There is no specific antidote, manage by supportive treatment. Measures to increase the rate of elimination of colistin e.g. mannitol diuresis, prolonged haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may be tried, but effectiveness is unknown.
5.0 Pharmacological Properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Resistance
Resistant bacteria are characterised by modification of the phosphate groups of lipopolysaccharide, which become substituted with ethanolamine or aminoarabinose. Naturally resistant Gram-negative bacteria, such as Proteus mirabilis and Burkholderia cepacia, show complete substitution of their lipid phosphate by ethanolamine or aminoarabinose.
Cross resistance between colistin (polymyxin E) and polymyxin B is expected. Since the mechanism of action of the polymyxins is different from that of other antibacterial agents, resistance to colistin and polymyxin by the above mechanism alone would not be expected to result in resistance to other drug classes.
PK/PD relationship
Polymyxins have been reported to have a concentration-dependent bactericidal effect on susceptible bacteria. fAUC/ MIC is considered to be correlated with clinical efficacy.
EUCAST Breakpoints |
Susceptible (S) |
Resistant (R)a |
Acinetobacter |
S≤ 2 |
R>2 mg/L |
Enterobacteriaceae |
S≤ 2 |
R>2 mg/L |
Pseudomonas spp |
S≤ 4 |
R>4 mg/L |
a Breakpoints apply to dosage of 2-3 MIU x 3. A loading dose (9 MIU) may be needed.
Susceptibility
The prevalence of acquired resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. As necessary, expert advice should be sought when the local prevalence of resistance is such that the utility of the agent in at least some types of infections is questionable.
Commonly susceptible species |
Acinetobacter baumannii Haemophilus influenzae Klebsiella spp Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
Species for which acquired resistance may be a problem |
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Achromobacter xylosoxidans (formerly Alcaligenes xylosoxidans) |
Inherently resistant organisms |
Burkholderia cepacia and related species. Proteus species Providencia species Serratia species |
5.2 Mechanism of Action
Colistin is a cyclic polypeptide antibacterial agent belonging to the polymyxin group. Polymyxins work by damaging the cell membrane and the resulting physiological effects are lethal to the bacterium. Polymyxins are selective for aerobic Gram-negative bacteria that have a hydrophobic outer membrane.
5.3 Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption
The information on the pharmacokinetics of colistimethate sodium (CMS) and colistin is limited. There are indications that pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients differ from those in patients with less severe physiological derangement and from those in healthy volunteers. The following data are based on studies using HPLC to determine CMS/colistin plasma concentrations.
After infusion of colistimethate sodium the inactive pro-drug is converted to the active colistin. Peak plasma concentrations of colistin have been shown to occur with a delay of up to 7 hours after administration of colistimethate sodium in critically ill patients.
Absorption from the gastrointestinal tract does not occur to any appreciable extent in the normal individual.
Distribution
The volume of distribution of colistin in healthy subjects is low and corresponds approximately to extracellular fluid (ECF). The volume of distribution is relevantly enlarged in critically ill subjects. Protein binding is moderate and decreases at higher concentrations. In the absence of meningeal inflammation, penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is minimal, but increases in the presence of meningeal inflammation.
Both CMS and colistin display linear PK in the clinically relevant dose range.
Elimination
It is estimated that approximately 30% of colistimethate sodium is converted to colistin in healthy subjects, its clearance is dependent on creatinine clearance and as renal function decreases, a greater portion of CMS is converted to colistin. In patients with very poor renal function (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min), the extent of conversion could be as high as 60 to 70%. CMS is eliminated predominantly by the kidneys via glomerular filtration. In healthy subjects, 60% to 70% of CMS is excreted unchanged in the urine within 24 hours.
The elimination of the active colistin is incompletely characterised. Colistin undergoes extensive renal tubular reabsorption and may either be cleared non-renally or undergo renal metabolism with the potential for renal accumulation. Colistin clearance is decreased in renal impairment, possibly due to increased conversion of CMS.
Half-life of colistin in healthy subjects and those with cystic fibrosis is reported to be around 3h and 4h, respectively, with a total clearance of around 3L/h. In critically ill patients, half-life has been reported to be prolonged to around 9-18h.
6.0 Nonclinical Properties
6.1 Animal Toxicology or Pharmacology
Data on potential genotoxicity are limited and carcinogenicity data for colistimethate sodium are lacking. Colistimethate sodium has been shown to induce chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes, in vitro. This effect may be related to a reduction in mitotic index, which was also observed.
Reproductive toxicity studies in rats and mice do not indicate teratogenic properties. However, colistimethate sodium given intramuscularly during organogenesis to rabbits at 4.15 and 9.3 mg/kg resulted in talipes varus in 2.6 and 2.9% of fetuses respectively. These doses are 0.5 and 1.2 times the maximum daily human dose. In addition, increased resorption occurred at 9.3 mg/kg.
7.0 Description
Colistimethate Sodium is a polypeptide antibiotic.

Chemical Name: N-(4-amino-1-(1-(4-amino-1-oxo-1-(3,12,23-tris(2-aminoethyl) -20-(1-hydroxyethyl)-6,9-diisobutyl-2,5,8,11,14,19,22-heptaoxo-1,4,7,10,13,18 -hexaazacyclotricosan-15-ylamino) butan-2-ylamino)-3-hydroxybutan-2 ylamino) -1-oxobutan-2-yl)-N,5-dimethylheptanamide.
Molecular Formula: C58H105N16 Na5028S5
Molecular Weight: 1750 kDa
8.0 Pharmaceutical particulars
8.1 Incompatibilities
Mixed infusions, injections involving Colistimethate Sodium should be avoided. Addition of other antibiotics such as erythromycin, tetracycline and cephalothin to solution of Colistimethate Sodium may lead to precipitation
8.2 Shelf-life
Refer on pack
8.3 Packaging information
ICL-1: A vial of 1 million IU.
ICL-2: A vial of 2 million IU.
ICL-3: A vial of 3 million IU.
8.4 Storage and handing instructions
Store below 25°C. Protect from light & moisture. Keep out of reach of children. After reconstitution, do not use in case any foreign particulate matter is observed inside the vial. Reconstituted Solutions for Infusion or Injection The reconstituted solution should be used immediately or used within 24 hours when stored at 2°C -8°C.
9.0 Patient Counselling Information
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Colistimethate for Injection, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Colistimethate for Injection, is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Colistimethate for Injection, or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.
12. Date of revision
06/2024