Colistin is an antibacterial drug used to treat infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. The spelling of this word is pronounced as "kɔlɪstɪn". The IPA phonetic transcription shows that "col-" is pronounced with a short "o" followed by an "l" sound. The second syllable "-is-" is pronounced "ɪs". Finally, the last syllable "-tin" is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "t" and "in" sound. Despite its common misspelling as "colistim," the correct spelling of the word is "colistin."
Colistin is a noun that refers to an antibiotic drug used to treat bacterial infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, particularly those resistant to other antibiotics. It belongs to the polymyxin class of antibiotics and is derived from Bacillus polymyxa, a soil bacterium.
Colistin acts by disrupting the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane, which leads to leakage of the cell contents and ultimately causes the death of the bacteria. It is effective against a wide range of gram-negative bacteria, including strains resistant to other antibiotics like carbapenems. Due to its potency and effectiveness against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, colistin is considered an important treatment option in certain cases where other antibiotics have failed.
However, the use of colistin is associated with potential adverse effects, including damage to the kidneys and nervous system. It is generally administered intravenously or topically, and topical formulations are used in treating infections of the skin, eyes, and ears.
Overuse and misuse of colistin have led to the development of colistin-resistant bacteria, posing a challenge in its effectiveness for treating infections. Consequently, it is now recommended to use colistin judiciously and as a last resort to preserve its efficacy.
In summary, colistin is a potent antibiotic mainly used to treat gram-negative bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to other antibiotics. Its use is carefully regulated due to potential side effects and concerns regarding antibiotic resistance.
The word "Colistin" derives from the name of the bacterium it was originally derived from, which is called "Paeneus colistinus". The suffix "-in" is often added to drug names to indicate they are substances with medicinal properties. Therefore, "Colistin" directly relates to the name of the bacterium it was isolated from.