Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic for multidrug-resistant infections. It belongs to the Hospital / strong antibiotic (injectable) group. These powerful antibiotics are used in hospital for serious or resistant infections.
Kidney function and drug levels are checked (some)
Reserved to preserve their effectiveness
When to see a doctor urgently
Severe allergy (swelling, breathing difficulty)
Reduced hearing or urine (aminoglycosides)
Severe or bloody diarrhoea
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of colistin depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Why are these antibiotics only used in hospital?
They are potent, given by injection, and need monitoring of kidneys and drug levels. They are reserved for serious infections to slow resistance.
What is a “last-resort” antibiotic?
Drugs like colistin or vancomycin are kept for infections resistant to other antibiotics, so overusing them would be dangerous for everyone.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.