Drug Safety Alert: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission Flags Adverse Reactions Linked To Colistimethate Sodium

Following the preliminary analysis of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) from the PvPI database, it is reported that Colistimethate Sodium can lead to Bartter's like Syndrome.

Bartter-like syndrome (BLS) is a constellation of biochemical abnormalities which include metabolic alkalosis, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia with normal kidney function. BLS is a very rare syndrome and can be induced by certain diseases, antibiotics, diuretics, and antineoplastic drugs.

Now, as per the issued drug safety alert, the following suspected drug is associated with the ADRs as given below:

In light of the above, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has advised Healthcare Professionals, Patients/Consumers to closely monitor the possibility of the above ADRs associated with the use of the above suspected drugs.

Further, the safety alert added, "If such reaction is encountered, please report to the NCC-PvPI, IPC by filling of Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Form/Medicines Side Effect Reporting Form for Consumer (http://www.ipc.gov.in), through Android Mobile App "ADR PvPI App" and PvPIHelpline No. 1800-180-3024 (Toll Free)."