Nebulised colomycin

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What is this information about?

This information is about nebulised colomycin. It explains:

• what it is
• what it is used for
• what side effects it may have
• how long you may need to take it for
• how you should take your nebulised colomycin
• how you should care for the equipment that you use to take it
• who will check how you are when you are taking it

Why have I been given this information?

You have been given this information because you have a lung infection caused by bacteria and you have been prescribed nebulised colomycin to treat it. Reading this information will help you to know what to expect from your treatment and how to use your nebuliser safely. Please keep this information so that you can use it in the future.

What is Colomycin?

Colomycin is an antibiotic. You are taking it as a nebulised solution straight into your lungs to try to control bacteria that are growing in your sputum (thick mucus, also called phlegm). This may help to reduce the number of chest infections you get.

A nebulised medicine is a liquid medicine which is turned into a very fine spray which you can breathe in using a nebuliser. A nebuliser is an electric machine that sprays a fine, liquid mist of medicine through a mouthpiece or mask.

Are there any side effects?

As with most medicines nebulised colomycin can have side effects. Some people may have an allergic type of reaction to taking it. You have had checks to make sure that you do not have a reaction to colomycin before starting to take it at home.

Are there any other possible side effects that mean I should get urgent help if I have them?

Yes. If you get a tight chest, wheeze, or find it difficult to breath:

• take your usual Ventolin (salbutamol) and
• contact your GP urgently

Is taking nebulised colomycin likely to affect how well any other medicines that I am taking work?

No. Not much colomycin gets into your bloodstream from your lungs so it should not affect any other medicines that you are taking.

How long will I have to take the nebulised colomycin antibiotic?

If the antibiotic does not cause side effects, your consultant may want you to take it for at least a year and perhaps even for many years. We may do further tests on your sputum to see if you still have the infection as the colomycin may not clear it completely.

What should I do before I take my nebulised colomycin?

Do try to clear the sputum from your lungs before you take your nebulised colomycin. If you have not been shown how to do this or you are struggling with doing it, do ask your consultant or Respiratory Nurse if they can send you to see a respiratory physiotherapist (refer you). Please use 2.5mg / 2.5mls salbutamol via your nebuliser (or you can use four puffs of your salbutamol inhaler) 20 mins before administering colomycin.

What do I need to have to make up my nebulised colomycin?

• 4 mls of Sodium chloride 0.9%
• 1 bottle of 1MU or 2MU colomycin. MU stands for ‘million units’.

How do I take my nebulised colomycin?

1. Flip up and tear off the top of the 1 MU or 2MU colomycin bottle. Remove the red bung and squeeze the 4 mls of sodium chloride into the bottle.
2. Replace the grey bung and Shake the bottle gently until the powder has dissolved and then leave to settle.
   • Be aware. you can prepare both of the day’s doses in the morning and leave the PM dose in the fridge. Do not prepare more than one day’s worth of doses at a time. Once you have mixed it, do not store the dose for more than 12 hours.
3. Pour into the nebuliser chamber.
4. Vent the air that you have breathed out outside through a tube. We will show you how to do this at an appointment before you have to do it at home.
5. When you have finished taking your nebuliser dose, take the nebuliser apart and wash the parts in hot soapy water. Rinse the parts and then leave them on kitchen paper to dry.
6. Put the nebuliser back together again just before you need to use it the next time. 

How should I care for my nebuliser equipment?

• Wash the nebuliser chamber in hot soapy water after you have used it and let it dry before you put it back together.
• Sterilise the nebuliser chamber once a week to kill any germs on it and help prevent infections. Do this by putting all the parts in a saucepan with a few drops of washing up liquid and then boil for ten minutes. Do not include the face mask, green T piece and Tubing.  Follow the instructions for sterilising that come with your nebuliser if they are different to this.

Your nebuliser chamber should last for a year if you follow the instructions for cleaning it.

How will I get more supplies of colomycin and saline solution?

Contact the Respiratory Nurses two weeks before your supplies are due to run out. You will need to pick up your prescription from the hospital pharmacy.

Who will check how well my treatment is working and how I am doing?

The consultant who prescribed this treatment will check how well your treatment is working.

Your GP will check your general health and report any adverse reactions (side effects) that you may have.

Who should I contact if I have any further questions after I have read this information?