An antibiotic which is effective against a wide range of organisms and is used to treat gastrointestinal infections.
Narrow spectrum antibiotic first isolated from Bacillus colistinus, subsequently found to be identical with Polymyxin E.
An antibiotic administered by mouth to treat gastroenteritis and other bacterial infections. Colistin is a mixture of antimicrobial substances produced by a strain of the bacterium Bacillus polymyxa.
A polymyyxin antibiotic active against many gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is not absorbed by mouth and therefore needs to be given by injection to obtain a systemic effect; this is rarely indicated, however, as it has serious adverse effects. Colistin is used by mouth in bowel-sterilization regimens before surgery. It is given by inhalation of a nebulised solution as an adjunct to some standard antibiotic therapy, and is included in some topical reparations, chiefly for skin, eye and ear infections.
Colistin, a member of the polymyxin family of antibiotics, finds application in topical formulations for eye and skin conditions. It can also be administered orally to eradicate bacteria in the large intestine, particularly in individuals prone to infections. Moreover, colistin may be utilized in a nebulizer to treat respiratory tract infections. However, this drug is reserved for treating infections that have developed resistance to other antibiotics due to its toxic nature, which may potentially harm kidney and nerve tissues.