About Your Medicine
This page will explain what Promixin is and why it has been prescribed to you. You will also find key information on when to take Promixin and what to do if you feel unwell.
What is Promixin?
Promixin is an antibiotic called colistimethate sodium. It is to be breathed in (inhaled) using a special device (a nebuliser) called the I-neb, to treat chronic chest infections in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Promixin is used when these infections are caused by a type of bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Looking after your lungs with the I-neb
Pseudomonas aeruginosa are very common bacteria that infect the lungs of nearly all patients with cystic fibrosis at some time during their lives. If the infection is not properly controlled it will continue to damage the lungs, causing further problems.
Promixin is prescribed to help manage chronic pulmonary infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis.
When is the best time to take Promixin?
Always take Promixin exactly as your doctor has told you.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. You will have taken your first dose of Promixin with your doctor, nurse or physiotherapist.
If you have physiotherapy, you should take your Promixin after your physiotherapy. This will ensure that your lungs are clear so that Promixin can work effectively. If you also take other inhaled medicines, your doctor will tell you which order to take them in.
How often do I need to take Promixin?
You should take your Promixin as instructed by your doctor.
Promixin is usually prescribed to be taken 2 or 3 times per day. Your doctor may decide to adjust the dose depending on your circumstances. It is important that you follow the dose amount and frequency that your doctor has prescribed for you.
If you forget to take Promixin, take the dose as soon as you remember, unless it is near the time for your next dose. You do not need to make up for the dose you have missed.
What if I feel unwell after taking Promixin?
As with all medicines, Promixin can cause side effects although not every patient experiences them.
Side effects can include:
Allergic reaction
such as a skin rash
Tightness in the chest, feeling wheezy, a cough or becoming breathless
Sore throat or mouth
If you experience any side effects or feel unwell after taking Promixin you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
In the event of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, you should stop taking Promixin and inform your doctor immediately.
If you experience tightness in the chest, feeling wheezy, cough or breathlessness after taking Promixin, your doctor may advise you to take a specific medicine to help prevent this.
Important:
This information is a summary. You should read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes in your Promixin box for more detailed information about the product.