Colistin: A Last Resort Antibiotic with Serious Side Effects

Colistin, also known as polymyxin E or colistin methanesulfonate, is a type of antibiotic that belongs to the class of polypeptide antibiotics. It is derived from a strain of the bacterium Bacillus polymyxa and is used to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii.

Colistin works by disrupting the cell membrane of bacteria, ultimately leading to their death. It is often used as a last resort for treating infections that are resistant to other antibiotics, as it can have serious side effects and is not effective against all types of bacteria.

Colistin has been associated with nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and neurotoxicity (nerve damage), particularly when given in high doses or for extended periods of time. Additionally, the overuse and misuse of colistin have contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a significant threat to public health. As a result, colistin is typically reserved for use in severe infections where other treatments have failed, and its use is closely monitored by healthcare professionals.