Colistin sulfate

Colistin sulfate is an antibiotic medication primarily used in the treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. It is a member of the polymyxin class of antibiotics and is derived from the bacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa.

History

Colistin sulfate was first isolated in 1949 from the bacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa var. colistinus. It was widely used in the 1950s and 1960s for the treatment of Gram-negative bacteria infections, but its use declined due to concerns about nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. However, with the rise of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in the 21st century, colistin sulfate has seen a resurgence in use.

Medical uses

Colistin sulfate is used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii. It is often used as a last-resort treatment when other antibiotics have failed.

Side effects

The most common side effects of colistin sulfate include nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Other side effects can include respiratory failure, skin rash, and gastrointestinal distress.

Mechanism of action

Colistin sulfate works by binding to the lipopolysaccharide on the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, disrupting the cell membrane and leading to cell death.

Resistance

Resistance to colistin sulfate is a growing concern, with cases of resistance reported in several countries. The primary mechanism of resistance is modification of the lipopolysaccharide target site on the bacterial cell membrane.

See also

• Polymyxin B
• Antibiotic resistance
• Multidrug resistance

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