Colistin: Mechanism of Action and Clinical Applications

Colistin is an antibiotic used to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. It is reserved as a last-resort treatment option due to its potential side effects and the risk of developing resistance.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available by prescription in hospitals and specialized healthcare facilities.
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Colistin FAQ


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What is colistin used for?

Colistin, also known as polymyxin E, is an antibiotic medication used as a last-resort treatment for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections including pneumonia. These may involve bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Acinetobacter.

What are the side effects of colistin?

Discontinue therapy if there are signs of impaired kidney function. Common side effects of colistin include dizziness, numbness and prickling sensation of skin (paresthesia), tingling of extremities and tongue, seizures, slurred speech, vertigo, decreased urine output, and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and elevated creatinine.

Is colistin a Gram-negative antibiotic?

Keywords: colistin, approaches to optimizing therapy, Gram-negative infections Colistin (also known as polymyxin E) has been marketed as its inactive prodrug colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) [ 1] for fifty years. Colistin was one of the first antibiotics with significant activity against Gram-negative bacteria, notably Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Is colistin a bactericidal drug?

Colistin (also known as polymyxin E) has been marketed as its inactive prodrug colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) [ 1] for fifty years. Colistin was one of the first antibiotics with significant activity against Gram-negative bacteria, notably Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It exhibits rapid, concentration-dependent bactericidal activity [ 2 – 4 ].

What is colistin link parental used for?

Colistin Link Parental is indicated for the treatment of acute or chronic infections due to sensitive strains of certain gram-negative bacilli. It is particularly indicated when the infection is caused by sensitve strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This antibiotic is not indicated for infections due to Proteus and Neisseria.

Is colistin a polymyxin?

Colistin is a polymyxin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible Gram negative bacteria. Cyclic polypeptide antibiotic from Bacillus colistinus. It is composed of Polymyxins E1 and E2 (or Colistins A, B, and C) which act as detergents on cell membranes.

Is colistin toxic to the kidneys?

Colistin is an antibiotic used to treat acute and chronic bacterial infections from susceptible strains of certain gram-negative bacteria. Colistin is toxic to the kidneys. Discontinue therapy if there are signs of impaired kidney function.

Colistin References

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