Guficol Plus 0.5miu Injection: A Comprehensive Guide To Uses, Side Effects, And Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Decreased urine output or no urine output
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe dizziness, confusion, or tingling in hands or feet
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Severe allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of face or throat
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or severe diarrhea
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is guficol plus 0.5miu injection used for?
This medicine is a polymyxin antibiotic injection used to treat serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. It works by disrupting the bacterial outer membrane, leading to bacterial death. It is given only in hospital settings under close medical supervision.
- Generic Name: Colistimethate Sodium (0.5Million IU)
- Manufacturer: Gufic Bioscience Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 guficol plus 0.5miu injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा कोलिस्टिन नामक एंटीबायोटिक का एक रूप है, जिसे इंजेक्शन के माध्यम से दिया जाता है। इसका उपयोग उन गंभीर संक्रमणों के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है जो बहु-प्रतिरोधी ग्राम-नकारात्मक बैक्टीरिया जैसे एसिनेटोबैक्टर, स्यूडोमोनास और क्लेबसिएला के कारण होते हैं, और जिन पर सामान्य एंटीबायोटिक्स काम नहीं करते। यह दवा अस्पताल में डॉक्टर की देखरेख में ही दी जाती है। यह मुंह से नहीं ली जाती। यह गुर्दे और तंत्रिका तंत्र पर असर डाल सकती है, इसलिए इसका उपयोग सावधानी से किया जाता है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में गुर्दे की समस्या (किडनी पर असर), चक्कर आना, हाथ-पैरों में झुनझुनी, भ्रम, मतली, उल्टी और इंजेक्शन लगाने की जगह पर दर्द या सूजन शामिल हैं। कभी-कभी गंभीर एलर्जी, सांस लेने में कठिनाई, या गुर्दे की विफलता जैसी गंभीर समस्याएं हो सकती हैं। इलाज के दौरान डॉक्टर नियमित रूप से जांच करते रहते हैं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल अस्पताल में डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा ही दी जानी चाहिए। इसे घर पर स्वयं न लगाएं। इलाज से पहले अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी बीमारियों, खासकर गुर्दे की बीमारी, मसल डिसऑर्डर, और किसी भी एलर्जी के बारे में बताएं। अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी दवाओं के बारे में जानकारी दें। इलाज के दौरान पर्याप्त पानी पिएं। पेशाब कम आना, पैरों में सूजन, थकान, भ्रम, या हाथ-पैरों में झुनझुनी जैसे लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएं डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।
💊 guficol plus 0.5miu injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections","description":"Used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria such as carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae when other antibiotics are ineffective.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia","description":"Prescribed for severe lung infections acquired in hospital, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Complicated urinary tract infections","description":"Used for severe urinary tract infections caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including pyelonephritis.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Bloodstream infections (bacteremia)","description":"Administered for life-threatening bloodstream infections caused by resistant Gram-negative organisms.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Intra-abdominal infections","description":"Used in complicated intra-abdominal infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Meningitis and ventriculitis","description":"May be used intravenously or intraventricularly for central nervous system infections caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Aerosolized therapy for respiratory infections","description":"Sometimes given via nebulizer as an adjunct for patients with cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis colonized with resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Intraventricular or intrathecal administration for CNS infections","description":"Direct instillation into the cerebrospinal fluid may be used for ventriculitis or meningitis when intravenous therapy alone is insufficient.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Prosthetic joint infections","description":"Occasionally used as part of combination therapy for prosthetic joint infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections
Also treats: Hospital-acquired pneumonia, Ventilator-associated pneumonia, Complicated urinary tract infections, Bloodstream infections, Intra-abdominal infections, Meningitis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Colistimethate Sodium (0.5Million IU) |
| Brand Name | guficol plus 0.5miu injection |
| Manufacturer | Gufic Bioscience Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | GASTRO INTESTINAL |
| Action Class | Cell membrane active agent |
| Route of Administration | Parenteral (intravenous or intramuscular). This medicine is not for oral use |
| Storage | Store the unreconstituted vial at room temperature (15-30°C). Protect from light. After reconstitution, the solution should be used immediately or stored as directed by the manufacturer. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of the unreconstituted product is typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture. Refer to the product label for the exact expiry date. Once reconstituted, use immediately or as directed by the manufacturer. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization (WHO) includes colistin in its Model List of Essential Medicines for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, specific recommendations for use should be based on local guidelines and susceptibility patterns. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has published guidelines on antimicrobial use that include colistin as a reserve antibiotic for treating infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. It should be used judiciously and only when other options are limited. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine contains colistimethate sodium, an inactive prodrug that is hydrolyzed in the body to release colistin, the active antibacterial agent. Colistin is a polymyxin antibiotic that binds to the lipid A portion of lipopolysaccharide in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. This binding displaces calcium and magnesium ions, destabilizes the membrane, and increases its permeability. As a result, essential intracellular contents leak out, leading to rapid bacterial cell death. This mechanism is bactericidal and is effective against many multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, but it is not active against Gram-positive bacteria or anaerobes.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take guficol plus 0.5miu injection
Strength: This medicine is supplied as a sterile lyophilized powder for injection containing colistimethate sodium equivalent to 0.5 million IU (approximately 40 mg of colistimethate sodium) per vial. It is intended for reconstitution and parenteral administration.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, severity of infection, patient weight, and kidney function. For adults with normal kidney function, a common regimen is 2.5 to 5 mg/kg of colistin base activity per day, divided into 2 to 4 doses, given intravenously. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 5 mg/kg/day. For infections caused by highly resistant bacteria, a loading dose may be given. Dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may have reduced kidney function, which can increase the risk of toxicity. Dose adjustment based on kidney function is essential. Monitor kidney function closely. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment. The dose should be reduced according to the degree of kidney function. For patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min, the dose and/or frequency should be adjusted. Close monitoring of kidney function is necessary. The exact dosing regimen must be determined by a qualified clinician. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is recommended for hepatic impairment. However, liver function should be monitored in patients with pre-existing liver disease. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is not well established and depends on the patient's weight and kidney function. Generally, doses should not exceed 5 mg/kg/day of colistin base activity. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
Dosage Timeline
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of guficol plus 0.5miu injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Aminoglycosides | Major | |
| Amphotericin B | Major | |
| Vancomycin | Major | |
| NSAIDs | Major | |
| Neuromuscular blockers | Major | |
| Loop diuretics | Moderate | |
| Cephalosporins | Moderate | |
| Cyclosporine | Moderate | |
| Anticholinergics | Minor | |
| Corticosteroids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, vancomycin, NSAIDs)
- Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., vecuronium, pancuronium)
- Other neurotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, polymyxin B)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
- Cephalosporins
- Cyclosporine
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
There is no specific interaction between alcohol and this medicine, but alcohol can worsen dehydration and kidney stress. It is advisable to avoid alcohol during treatment, especially if you have an infection or are taking other medicines.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to colistimethate sodium, colistin, or polymyxin B","Severe renal impairment without dose adjustment and close monitoring","Myasthenia gravis (may worsen muscle weakness)","Concurrent use with neuromuscular blocking agents (unless absolutely necessary and closely monitored)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Nephrotoxicity: This medicine can cause kidney damage. Monitor kidney function before and during therapy. Adjust dose in renal impairment.","Neurotoxicity: May cause dizziness, tingling, confusion, or muscle weakness. Use with caution in patients with neuromuscular disorders.","Respiratory paralysis: Rarely, this medicine can cause respiratory muscle paralysis, especially when given with neuromuscular blockers or in patients with myasthenia gravis.","Hypersensitivity reactions: Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Discontinue immediately if suspected.","Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: May occur with antibiotic use. Report severe or persistent diarrhea.","Use in pregnancy: Category C. Use only if clearly needed.","Use in lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk. Caution advised.","Pediatric use: Safety and efficacy not established in children. Use with caution.","Elderly use: May have reduced kidney function; dose adjustment may be needed."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether colistimethate sodium or colistin is excreted in human breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can lead to severe nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, including respiratory paralysis. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis may be considered to remove colistin from the blood, but its effectiveness is not well established. Monitor kidney function, respiratory status, and neurological status closely. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting, so missed doses are unlikely. If you miss a scheduled dose, inform your nurse or doctor immediately. Do not attempt to self-administer. Your healthcare team will determine the appropriate action based on the dosing schedule and your condition.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must only be given by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Do not attempt to use it at home. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially any kidney problems, muscle disorders (such as myasthenia gravis), or allergies to antibiotics. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, because some medicines can increase the risk of kidney or nerve damage when combined with this product. Your doctor will order regular blood tests to check your kidney function and may adjust the dose based on the results. Drink enough fluids as advised by your healthcare team to help protect your kidneys. Report any new symptoms such as decreased urination, swelling in the legs, unusual tiredness, confusion, or tingling in the hands or feet immediately. Do not breastfeed while receiving this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before treatment.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are at higher risk of kidney damage from this medicine due to age-related decline in kidney function. Dose adjustment based on kidney function is essential. Close monitoring of kidney function and neurological status is recommended.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor before starting this medicine. This medicine is Pregnancy Category C and should be used only if clearly needed. Effective contraception may be advised during treatment.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you have recently had surgery, inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about this medicine. It may interact with neuromuscular blocking agents used during anesthesia, increasing the risk of muscle paralysis. Close monitoring is required.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are receiving this medicine. There is no specific contraindication for dental procedures, but your dentist may need to take precautions if you have a bleeding disorder or are on other medications.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
While on this medicine, you may feel weak or dizzy. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Consult your doctor before resuming exercise.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine is given in a hospital setting, so you will likely be hospitalized during treatment. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery until you are fully recovered and cleared by your doctor. Plan for time off work and arrange for help with daily tasks.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine on your own. Your doctor will decide when to stop based on your clinical response and test results. Stopping early may lead to incomplete treatment and resistance. If you experience severe side effects, your doctor may adjust or discontinue the medicine.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is limited due to the risk of nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Prolonged therapy may increase the risk of kidney damage, which is usually reversible but can be permanent in rare cases. Regular monitoring of kidney function and neurological status is essential. The duration of therapy should be as short as possible while effectively treating the infection. When used appropriately, the benefits often outweigh the risks for serious infections.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Depending on susceptibility, other antibiotics such as polymyxin B, tigecycline, or newer beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations may be used.
Evidence: Well-establishedCombining this medicine with other antibiotics may improve efficacy and reduce resistance.
Evidence: ModerateSurgical drainage or removal of infected devices may be necessary in addition to antibiotics.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no specific vaccine interactions with this medicine. However, it is important to be up to date with recommended vaccinations, especially if you have underlying conditions. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store the unreconstituted vial at room temperature (15-30°C).
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze the vial.
✅ DO
Protect the vial from light.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in direct sunlight.
✅ DO
Keep in the original carton until use.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers.
✅ DO
Use reconstituted solution immediately or as directed.
❌ DON'T
Do not store reconstituted solution for extended periods unless specified.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
This medicine is given in a hospital setting, so travel is not applicable during treatment. If you are discharged and need to continue treatment, your healthcare provider will arrange for administration at a local clinic or hospital. Carry a copy of your prescription and medical records. Store the medicine as directed by the manufacturer. Do not attempt to travel with reconstituted solution without proper storage. Consult your doctor before planning any travel.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts working quickly after administration, but clinical improvement may take a few days. Your doctor will monitor your response.
A: No, this medicine must be given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
A: Watch for decreased urination, swelling, tingling in hands or feet, confusion, or difficulty breathing. Report these to your doctor immediately.
A: This medicine can cause kidney damage. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function closely and adjust the dose as needed.
A: It is best to avoid alcohol during treatment as it can worsen dehydration and kidney stress.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be taken orally for stomach infections.
Fact: This medicine is not absorbed orally and must be given by injection. It is not used for stomach infections. - Myth: This medicine is a first-line antibiotic for common infections.
Fact: This medicine is a reserve antibiotic used only for serious multidrug-resistant infections when other options are not effective. - Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone.
Fact: This medicine can cause serious kidney and nerve damage. It is used only when the benefits outweigh the risks, under close medical supervision.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Colistimethate sodium injection (generic)
Brand Alternatives
- Guficol Plus 0.5MIU Injection