Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat severe pneumonia (especially ventilator-associated pneumonia) 2. To treat bloodstream infections (sepsis) 3. To treat serious urinary tract infections (UTIs) 4. To treat complicated abdominal infections 5. To treat severe skin and soft-tissue infections 6. To treat life-threatening infections |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Nausea or vomiting 2. Diarrhea 3. Loss of appetite 4. Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site 5. Mild dizziness or headache 6. Temporary rise in kidney test values |
| Additional Information | Colistin is a last-line antibiotic used under close supervision, as advised by the World Health Organization. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | This medicine is given through injection by a doctor or nurse. |
BrandName Uses
BrandName is an antibiotic combination with a probiotic used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. It is used to kill bacteria and treat symptoms of conditions like:
- Severe pneumonia (especially ventilator-associated pneumonia)
- Bloodstream infections (sepsis)
- Serious urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Complicated abdominal infections
- Skin and soft-tissue infections (severe cases)
- Infections in ICU patients caused by resistant organisms like Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella
Directions for use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, consistently at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to your next dose; then skip the missed one.
BrandName side effects
More Common
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain or upset stomach
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Headache
- Skin rash or mild itching
Less common
- Kidney damage (very little urine, swelling of face or legs)
- Tingling or numbness in hands/feet
- Muscle weakness
- Breathing difficulty
- Confusion or altered consciousness
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Seizures
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, facial/lip swelling, wheezing, tight chest)
How BrandName works
BrandName works by attacking the skin of bacteria (also called the cell wall). It sticks to this protective layer, breaks its structure, causing the bacteria to lose important internal substances. Once this protective skin is damaged, the bacteria cannot stay alive and eventually die. This is how BrandName helps treat serious infections.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy/Hypersensitivity
If you are allergic to antibiotics, inform your doctor before taking this medicine, as it can cause severe rashes, swelling, breathing problems, or serious allergic reactions.
Severe kidney disease
If you have kidney disease, tell your doctor first. This medicine can build up in your body, leading to kidney damage, reduced urine output, and harmful side effects, so dose adjustment and close monitoring are needed.
Nerve or Muscle Disorders
If you have nerve or muscle conditions (such as muscle weakness disorders), inform your doctor, as BrandName can worsen weakness, cause tingling, or even breathing difficulty.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor. BrandName is used only if clearly needed, as it may pose risks to the fetus.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor first. The medicine may pass into breast milk and could affect the baby.
BrandName Interaction with other Medicines
Avoid taking BrandName with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
BrandName Interaction with Food Products
BrandName is given by injection, so food does not directly affect how it works. You can eat your normal meals while on this medicine. However, it’s best to stay well-hydrated, especially because BrandName can affect the kidneys. Avoid alcohol, as alcohol may increase strain on the kidneys and worsen side effects like dizziness. If you feel nausea, taking light meals can help.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep away from the reach of children.
BrandName Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
BrandName: N-[(2S)-4-amino-1-[[(2S,3R)-1-[[(2S)-4-amino-1-oxo-1-[[(3S,6S,9S,12S,15R,18S,21S)-6,9,18-tris(2-aminoethyl)-3-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-12,15-bis(2-methylpropyl)-2,5,8,11,14,17,20-heptaoxo-1,4,7,10,13,16,19-heptazacyclotricos-21-yl]amino]butan-2-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxobutan-2-yl]-5-methylheptanamide

Intake routine/cycle
Daily Dose
Take BrandName exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Do not exceed the prescribed BrandName dose (usually up to 5 mg/kg/day). Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or low urine output. If this happens, go to the hospital immediately.
BrandName Summary
BrandName (1,000,000 IU injection) is a powerful last-line antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria, usually in hospitalized patients. It works by damaging the skin of bacteria (also called the cell wall/cell membrane), causing the germs to die. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and injection-site pain, while rare but serious effects are kidney damage, nerve problems (tingling or weakness), breathing difficulty, confusion, and severe allergies.
It should be avoided or used carefully in people with drug allergies, kidney disease, nerve/muscle disorders, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or when taking other kidney- or nerve-affecting medicines. Food does not directly affect BrandName since it’s given by injection, but staying well hydrated is important.
Do not exceed the prescribed BrandName dose (usually about 5 mg/kg/day, as decided by the doctor). Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or low urine output, if this happens, go to the hospital immediately. BrandName is a last-line antibiotic used under close supervision, as advised by the World Health Organization.
FAQ’s
What are the side effects of BrandName?
Common side effects of BrandName include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and injection-site pain. Rare but serious effects are kidney damage (low urine output), nerve problems (tingling, muscle weakness), breathing difficulty, confusion, and severe allergic reactions.
What is the mechanism of action of BrandName?
BrandName works by attacking the outer skin of bacteria (also called the cell wall/cell membrane). It binds to this protective layer, weakens it, and disrupts its structure, causing the bacteria to lose essential internal contents. As a result, the bacteria cannot survive and die, helping treat serious infections caused by resistant Gram-negative germs.
What is the loading dose of BrandName?
A loading dose means the first higher dose given to make the medicine work faster. For BrandName, it is usually 9 million IU (about 720 mg) given once by injection, followed by smaller regular doses based on body weight and kidney function.
Does BrandName cause hepatotoxicity (liver damage)?
BrandName is not commonly linked to liver damage, but in rare cases it may cause mild increases in liver enzymes. Severe hepatotoxicity is uncommon. Doctors may still monitor liver function during treatment, especially in critically ill patients or those with existing liver problems.
What drug class does BrandName belong to?
BrandName belongs to the polymyxin class of antibiotics. It is a powerful last-line antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria, and it is recommended for restricted use by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Reference
- PubChem. Colistin [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2025. Available from
- Drug Bank. Colistin [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from
- Colistimethate, Colistin, Polymyxin E injection [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. Available from
- Colistimethate (Colistin) Intravenous for Adult patients | Medinfo Galway [Internet]. Medinfogalway.ie. 2021 [cited 2026 Feb 17]. Available from.

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.