kolistiini

Colistin, also known as polymyxin E, is an antibiotic used to treat severe infections caused by multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. It belongs to the polymyxin class of antibiotics, which were discovered in the 1940s. Colistin works by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane, leading to cell death. Due to its potential for nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, colistin was largely abandoned for systemic use in humans for several decades. However, with the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, it has been reintroduced as a last-resort antibiotic.

Colistin is typically administered intravenously for systemic infections and topically or via inhalation for localized infections. It is effective against a range of bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and certain strains of Enterobacteriaceae, particularly carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Its use is carefully monitored due to the risk of side effects. Common side effects include kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) and neurological issues (neurotoxicity), which can manifest as tingling, dizziness, or muscle weakness.

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has led to a resurgence in the use of colistin. However, resistance to colistin itself is also emerging, posing a significant challenge to its continued effectiveness. This underscores the importance of judicious use of colistin and continued efforts to develop new antibiotics.