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Colistin
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Synonyms
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Stability
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Usual Dosage
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Patient Information
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(koe LIS tin)

U.S. Brand Names
Coly-Mycin® S Oral

Generic Available

No


Synonyms
Colistin Sulfate; Polymyxin E

Pharmacological Index

Antibiotic, Miscellaneous; Antidiarrheal


Use

Treatment of diarrhea in infants and children caused by susceptible organisms, especially E. coli and Shigella, however, other agents are preferred; treatment of superficial infections of external ear canal and of mastoidectomy and fenestration cavities


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to colistin


Warnings/Precautions

Use with caution in patients with impaired renal function; some systemic absorption may occur; potential for renal toxicity exists; prolonged use may lead to superinfection


Adverse Reactions

<1%: Neuromuscular blockade, nephrotoxicity, respiratory arrest, nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity reactions, superinfections


Stability

Stable for 2 weeks when refrigerated, shake well; discard after 14 days


Mechanism of Action

Polypeptide antibiotic that binds to and damages the bacterial cell membrane


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Oral: Slightly absorbed from GI tract (adults); unpredictable absorption occurs in infants, can lead to significant serum levels

Half-life: 2.8-4.8 hours, prolonged in renal insufficiency; with anuria: 48-72 hours

Elimination: ~65% to 75% excreted unchanged in urine


Usual Dosage

Diarrhea: Children: Oral: 5-15 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses given every 8 hours


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No effects or complications reported


Patient Information

Keep refrigerated, shake well, discard after 14 days


Dosage Forms

Powder for oral suspension: 25 mg/5 mL (60 mL)


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