Colistimethate sodium 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.^[1]

Adapted from the FDA Package Insert.