Strategies for the safe use of colistin

Abstract

Colistin has re-emerged as an essential antibiotic for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative infections. Unfortunately, its utility is limited by high rates of nephrotoxicity, even at potentially therapeutic concentrations, and an overall lack of understanding on how to optimally administer the agent. In this review, recent advancements in the understanding of the safety and efficacy of colistin are discussed and strategies and suggestions on how to balance the two are described.

Keywords: carbapenem-resistance; colistimethate; colistin; nephrotoxicity; pharmacokinetics; polymyxin.