co-trimoxazole + colistin

Co-trimoxazole + colistin is a combination of two antibiotics used primarily for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, particularly carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). Co-trimoxazole consists of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, which act synergistically to inhibit sequential steps in bacterial folate synthesis. Colistin (polymyxin E) is a cationic polypeptide antibiotic that disrupts the bacterial cell membrane through a detergent-like mechanism. The combination has demonstrated strong synergistic and bactericidal activity against CRAB isolates in both in vitro and in vivo models. This synergy may offer an effective therapeutic option where monotherapy with either agent is insufficient due to resistance or suboptimal efficacy[1][5]. Clinical studies are ongoing to better define its role and optimal dosing.

Other names

cotrimoxazole + colistintrimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole + colistinTMP-SMX + colistin