FAQs:
Colistin is an antibiotic belonging to the Polymyxin class of antibiotics and is used to treat various bacterial infections, especially those caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Colistin has bactericidal properties, i.e. it penetrates the cell membrane of the bacteria and kills it. Colistin is available as an oral suspension, inhalation, and injection formulation. Oral suspension is commonly used in children to treat stomach and intestinal infections. Also, the injection and inhalation formulations are used to treat severe bacterial infections, non-responsive to other antibiotics.
What are the uses of Colistin?
Colistin is a bactericidal antibiotic used to treat various infections, including severe infections. Colistin is indicated for treating acute and chronic bacterial infections that other antibiotics can’t treat, primarily Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. It is also indicated for other Gram-negative infections such as E. coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella, etc. In addition, colistin is also used for treating multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacterial infections. It is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal and ear infections.
What are the side effects of Colistin?
The Majority of the side effects associated with Colistin are self-limiting and resolved independently without any medical intervention. However, if any symptoms start to bother you or get worse, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Common side effects
– Dizziness
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Diarrhoea
– Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)
– Paresthesia
– Tingling sensation in tongue and extremities
– Neurotoxicity
Uncommon side effects
– Vertigo
– Seizure
– Slurred speech
– Anaphylaxis
– Respiratory tract paralysis
– Acute respiratory failure (associated with inhalation formulation)
5. Can colistin increase platelet count?
Antibiotics, including colistin, have the potential to reduce the platelet count. There has been no established evidence that the use of colistin can lead to an increase in platelet count. However, if high platelet counts are reported post colistin use, we recommend consulting our doctors for expert opinions.
7. Why is colistin toxic to humans?
Colistin is an antibiotic that is eliminated from the human body by excretion from kidneys, primarily. It is known to cause nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and neurotoxicity (nervous system-related disorders) in humans. You can reach our medical consultants for the best practices to safely use colistin in various infections.
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Side Effects:
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Diarrhoea
– Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)
– Paresthesia
– Tingling sensation in tongue and extremities
– Neurotoxicity
– Vertigo
– Seizure
– Slurred speech
– Anaphylaxis
– Respiratory tract paralysis
– Acute respiratory failure (associated with inhalation formulation)
References:
More about Colistin:
Colistin is a bactericidal antibiotic used to treat various infections, including severe infections. Colistin is indicated for treating acute and chronic bacterial infections that other antibiotics can’t treat, primarily Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. It is also indicated for other Gram-negative infections such as E. coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella, etc. In addition, colistin is also used for treating multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacterial infections. It is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal and ear infections.
The Majority of the side effects associated with Colistin are self-limiting and resolved independently without any medical intervention. However, if any symptoms start to bother you or get worse, you should immediately seek medical attention.