Colistin is a polymyxin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible Gram negative bacteria. Cyclic polypeptide antibiotic from Bacillus colistinus.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Colistin is a surface active agent which penetrates into and disrupts the bacterial cell membrane. Colistin is polycationic and has both hydrophobic and lipophilic moieties. It interacts with the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, changing its permeability. This effect is bactericidal. There is also evidence that polymyxins enter the cell and precipitate cytoplasmic components, primarily ribosomes.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of acute or chronic infections due to sensitive strains of certain gram-negative bacilli, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Curator reviewed · 2 structured indications
- First approval
- United States, 2007
- Also known as
- Colimycin · Kolimycin · Polymyxin E
- Brand names
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of September 11, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Colistin, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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