colistimethate sodium

Colistimethate sodium is a polymyxin antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria, particularly *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae[2][5]. It is an inactive prodrug that is converted in the body to colistin (polymyxin E), the active form. The drug acts by binding to lipid A of lipopolysaccharide in the bacterial outer membrane, displacing divalent cations and disrupting membrane integrity. This leads to increased permeability of the bacterial cell membrane and ultimately cell lysis[6]. Colistimethate also exhibits anti-endotoxin activity by binding endotoxins released from Gram-negative bacteria[6]. It is typically reserved for multidrug-resistant infections due to its nephrotoxicity risk[5].

Brand names

Coly Mycin MColobreatheXylistin

Other names

colistimethatecolistin methanesulfonate