Apnea during treatment with sodium colistimethate

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Abstract
RESPIRATORY PARALYSIS has been increasingly publicized as a side effect encountered in antibiotic therapy. Recently Perkins1incriminated sodium colistimethate, a congener of polymyxin B, as a cause of apnea in man. We have observed a patient who experienced respiratory arrest during colistimethate therapy and have obtained additional data pertinent to the interrelationship. Report of a Case A 66-year-old woman had intermittent, severe acute pyelonephritis for four years prior to November 1963, when she underwent right nephrectomy for multiple cortical abscesses. At that time chemical diabetes was discovered. In December 1963. she was readmitted with left pyelonephritis. On examination she was in a toxic condition and dehydrated. Temperature was 101.4 F (38.6 C), pulse rate 92, and blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg. Carotid pulses were normal. She had a grade 2/6 systolic ejection murmur at the left sternal border and a healed right flank incision. Neurological examination showed intact cranial