Colistin Sulfate
Colistin Sulfate is a polymyxin-class antibiotic used primarily to treat serious gram-negative bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to other antibiotics. It is administered orally for intestinal infections and topically for skin infections, and requires careful monitoring due to potential toxicity.
Colistin Sulfate is a last-resort antibiotic for treating resistant gram-negative bacterial infections.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 2710
- Generic
- Colistin Sulfate
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treats infections caused by susceptible gram-negative bacteria, including gastrointestinal infections (such as traveler's diarrhea and enterococcal infections), urinary tract infections, and topical skin infections. Often reserved for multidrug-resistant infections when other antibiotics fail.
As a polymyxin antibiotic, Colistin Sulfate works by binding to bacterial cell membranes and disrupting their structure. This increases membrane permeability, causing leakage of cellular contents and ultimately bacterial cell death.
Systemic use requires monitoring for nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and neurotoxicity (neurological side effects). Topical formulations are generally better tolerated. Resistance to colistin has emerged as a global health concern, so it should only be used when clinically necessary and as directed by a healthcare provider.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy