Pneumonia or serious infections caused by MDR organisms with known susceptibility to colistin.
Nephrotoxicity ( greater than 10%)
Neurotoxicity
CNS effects (dizziness, seizures, slurred speech)
Skin rash
Bronchoconstriction with inhaled use
Caution when used with other nephrotoxic agents due to additive toxicities (e.g. aminoglycosides, vancomycin, contrast agents, etc.).
Non-depolarizing muscle relaxants may enhance the neuromuscular blockade.
Formulated as the prodrug colistimethate (CMS)
Product vials may be labeled as international units, mg of prodrug, or mg of colistin base activity (CBA)
1 mg CBA = 30,000 IU CMS = 2.4 mg CMS
Antimicrobial class: Polymyxin
Pregnancy category: C
Average serum half life: 6.3-12 hr
Biliary penetration: No Data
CSF penetration: Requires intrathecal or intraventricular administration
Lung penetration: Therapeutic
Urine penetration: Therapeutic