Colistimethate is an antibiotic indicated for treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of certain gram-negative bacilli. It is particularly useful for targeting sensitive strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Colistimethate is an antibiotic that has been shown to have bactericidal activity against aerobic gram-negative microorganisms.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Colistimethate is a surface active agent which penetrates into and disrupts the bacterial cell membrane. Colistimethate 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 · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C58H105N16O28S5 · 1634.87 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2022 · United States, 1970 · European Union, 2016
- Also known as
- Colistin methanesulfonic acid · Colistin sulfomethate · Colistinmethanesulfonic acid
- Brand names
Resolves to
BSSIRFLGSWHWDE-UHFFFAOYSA-ISMILESCCC(C)CCCCC(=O)NC(CCNCS([O-])(=O)=O)C(=O)NC(C(C)O)C(=O)NC(CCNCS([O-])(=O)=O)C(=O)NC1CCNC(=O)C(NC(=O)C(CCNCS([O-])(=O)=O)NC(=O)C(CCNCS([O-])(=O)=O)NC(=O)C(CC(C)C)NC(=O)C(CC(C)C)NC(=O)C(CCNCS([O-])(=O)=O)NC1=O)C(C)OWhat you can answer from here — as of August 31, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Colistimethate, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account