Nebulised Antibiotics for Bronchiectasis website Nebulised antibiotics are prescribed for Bronchiectasis patients who have frequent, recurrent chest infections who are usually colonised with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Research has shown that regular treatment with inhaled antibiotics can reduce the number of bacteria in your lungs which means:
• You may have fewer chest infections • You may have fewer hospital admissions
• Your symptoms should improve
• Your lungs should stay healthier longer
• In some patients this treatment can kill off certain bacteria or reduce the amount of bacteria in the airways
Before you start the treatment, we will assess your lung function before and after the nebuliser. If this shows that the nebulised antibiotic causes you to feel worse or your lung function tests get significantly worse, we will repeat the test using agents to open up the airways (salbutamol inhaler or nebuliser) before the nebulised antibiotic to see if this helps. If it does, we will carry on but if it doesn’t then we will not be able to continue the nebulised antibiotic. The nebulised antibiotics target antibiotics to the airways- occasionally patients may get fungal infection in their mouths and throat. We would also monitor to check longer term the nebulised antibiotic is not causing worsening chest tightness or worsening wheeze or worsening breathlessness or worsening lung function.
If you experience severe side effects despite agents to open up the airways, the treatment may be stopped.
The treatment involves mixing a vial of antibiotic (Colomycin or Gentamicin) with sterile sodium chloride which is added to the chamber of the nebuliser for inhalation. The nebuliser is washed in soapy water every day and left to air dry.
You will be taught how to administer the nebulised antibiotic (see video below). We will give you all the supplies and an appointment for review in one month. You will be reviewed every month for 3 months to ensure you are tolerating the treatment. If there are no side effects you will continue on the treatment long term and you will be reviewed in the Bronchiectasis clinic. The RIE will supply the medication, syringes, needles, sharps bins, filters, nebuliser and nebuliser mouthpiece. When you are established on the treatment your GP may be able to prescribe the medication.
How to prepare Nebulised Colomycin
How to prepare Nebulised Gentamicin
How to administer Nebulised Antibiotics
Last Reviewed: 17th October 2019