Defensins
Alpha/beta defensins
Class of endogenous antimicrobial peptides. No FDA-approved drug product.
Also known as · Coly-Mycin
Colistimethate
Polypeptide antibiotic for multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections.
What it is
Colistimethate sodium (Coly-Mycin) is a polypeptide antibiotic in the polymyxin class. It is used for serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative organisms, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and certain other resistant Gram-negative pathogens. Use has increased in the era of extensive drug resistance.
Mechanism of action
Disrupts bacterial cell membrane integrity through binding to lipopolysaccharide and phospholipids in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria.
Approved indications
Serious infections caused by gram-negative organisms susceptible to colistin, when other antibiotics are not appropriate.
Why this is out of scope at The Tide
Specialty antibiotic for serious multidrug-resistant infections. Used in hospital settings under infectious disease consultation. Has significant nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity concerns requiring careful monitoring. Not appropriate for an outpatient clinic.
Where to learn more
Infectious disease specialists.
Related peptides
From the same category.
LL-37
Cathelicidin
The only known human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. Not FDA-approved; investigational.