Colomycin® Tablets

Colistin Sulphate

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Patient Information Leaflet

1. What you should know about Colomycin Syrup & Tablets

Please read this leaflet carefully before starting to take the medicine because it provides important information for the patient. Do not throw the leaflet away, but keep it until you have finished the course, you may need to look at it again. If there is anything in the leaflet you do not understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist (chemist) to explain it to you. Remember! This medicine is for you and should not be given to anyone else.

2. What is in this medicine and what it does

Colomycin Syrup and Tablets contain colistin sulphate, which is a type of medicine called an antibiotic.

Colomycin Powder for Syrup is supplied in bottles. When dissolved in 58ml water, the powder produces 80ml of syrup. Each 5ml spoonful contains 250,000 units of colistin sulphate. It also contains sucrose, benzoic acid (E210), sodium methyl parahydroxybenzoate, sodium citrate and cherry flavouring.

Colomycin Tablets are supplied in containers of 50 tablets and each tablet contains 1,500,000 units of colistin sulphate. The tablets also contain microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, colloidal silicon dioxide and hydrogenated castor oil.

The marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer of Colomycin Syrup and Tablets is Forest Laboratories UK Limited, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1NX, UK.

Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria (‘germs’). Colistin will destroy bacteria that cause infections of the gut. Colomycin Syrup and Tablets are also used for bowel preparation before surgical operations. Colistin will kill some bacteria that may cause infections after surgery.

3. Before you take the medicine

  • Are you, or do you think you may be pregnant?
  • Are you breast feeding?
  • Have you reacted badly to any medicine containing colistin in the past?
  • Are you taking other antibiotics?
  • Are you suffering from kidney problems?
  • Are you likely to be having an operation where curariform (muscle relaxing) drugs may be used?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then your doctor will not normally prescribe Colomycin Syrup or Tablets. If there is anything listed which your doctor did not know, then you should contact your doctor before taking the medicine. Each 5ml spoonful of Colomycin Syrup contains 2.2g sucrose and is unsuitable for those with sugar related disorders. Colomycin Syrup also contains benzoic acid. This may increase the risk of jaundice if given to newborn infants.

4. Look at the label

The label should say who the medicine is for, what dose to use and how often to take it. If these details are not correct or if you are not sure of anything, contact your doctor.

5. How to take your medicine

Colomycin Syrup is taken by mouth using a 5ml medicine spoon supplied by the pharmacist. Shake the bottle before use.
Colomycin Tablets should be swallowed with a small amount of water or they may be crushed and dissolved in a small amount of liquid before swallowing.

6. How much you should take

The best dose for you will have been chosen by your doctor. Follow the doctor’s instructions. For guidance typical doses are as follows:

Gut infections:

  • Children up to 15 Kg weight:
        One or two spoonfuls of syrup (5-10ml) every 8 hours
  • Children between 15 and 30 Kg:
        ½ to 1 tablet or three to six 5ml spoonfuls taken every 8 hours
  • Adults, the elderly and children over 30Kg:
        1-2 tablets taken every 8 hours

Bowel Surgery:  Daily dosage as described for gut infections.

7. For how long do you take your medicine

Your doctor should usually indicate how long a course of treatment will be. (Usually for gut infections, it will be at least five days).

For bowel preparation, you will be given a 24-hour course of treatment which should finish twelve hours before your operation/procedure.

8. What you should do if you miss a dose

If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember, and then take your next dose at the usual time.

9. What to do if you take too much

It is important to keep to the dose on the label of your medicine. In the event that you take too much, or anyone else takes your medicine, especially a child, take the bottle to your doctor and ask for advice. Alternatively, contact the accident and emergency department of your nearest hospital.

10. Side effects

Side effects are unlikely with this medicine, and most people taking this medicine find it causes no problems. If you think that Colomycin Syrup or Tablets have upset you, contact your doctor or pharmacist. It is possible that side effects may occur in young babies (below 6 months) but your doctor will be aware of this.

11. Storing your medicine

As with all medicines keep Colomycin Syrup and Tablets out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original container. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the container label. Discard any unused Colomycin Syrup 14 days after reconstitution.

12. What to do with your unused medicine

Return any unused medicine to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

Date of preparation of leaflet: April 2003