I am using inhaled colistimethate for the first tume

I too have colonized Pseudomonas Aerginosaand have been using inhaled colistemethate since May 2025. (2 times daily for 28 days then 28 days on inhaled Tobramycin). I first used an Aeroclips XL nebulizer cup, but it took about 20-25 minutes to finish which added a lot of time to an already lengthy schedule of airway clearance twice a day. So I invested in the Pari eRapid Flow nebulizer that I use only for colistemethate and Tobramycin. It takes about 7 minutes to finish the meds which for me made it worth the cost of the eRapid system. The only side effects I’ve experienced with colistemethate is increased mucus (obviously not a welcome side effect but at least it’s not green and it’s fairly easy to clear) and a terrible taste in my mouth that lasts all day. For the awful taste, my doctor recommended taking a small spoonful of raw honey prior to nebulizing and that has helped tremendously. I hope this helps you some. Best of luck with your treatment.

Thank you for all the helpful information. Is the eRapid had to maintain? And also I was told that the system is not good for all meds?

@lenorj Super easy to maintain. And it works for my saline, Levalbuterol and Budesonide.
Just soak head in hot water and Dawn, rinse and boil. I only boil weekly, using a saucepan and distilled water.

I do the same as Sue - Rinse in Dawn and hot water 5 minutes and boil once each week. I also steam mine in the Bololo during the week. I only use mine for the meds but you can use it for saline or other meds as Sue said. I wish I could use it for my saline!! But I must be a wimp! I found it very intensely salty and have just not been able to adapt to all that saline at once! I love my eRapid!

@sueinmn thanks, you’ve been so helpfull.

@carlynic I’m going to give it a try. Thanks so much.

@carlynic I had to learn to use it over several days. I use the pause probably every 30 seconds and take a few deep breaths. Also, I found I rarely need all the saline to get the mucus moving.

@sueinmn thanks for the tip. I’ll have to try it again!

Your doctor or pharmacy provider should tell you what compressor and cup they want you to use for the colistimethate. They should also provide you with instructions if you need to mix the powder form with sterile water.
I as on for 2 months and found that it made my oxygen saturation level decline slightly. I pushed through because I wanted to get rid of the pseudomonas. After I stopped the medication my oxygen levels went back to normal. Low oxygen level made me very tired/sluggish.

@sherrig ugh! Not happy to hear that. I’ve been feeling pretty well and would hate to be tired again. Oh well, we’ll see thanks