colistin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialist / Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “colistin” mean?
An antibiotic medication derived from bacteria, used to treat serious infections caused by certain types of gram-negative bacteria.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An antibiotic medication derived from bacteria, used to treat serious infections caused by certain types of gram-negative bacteria.
Specifically, a polymyxin-class antibiotic also known as polymyxin E. It is typically used as a 'last-resort' treatment when other antibiotics fail, often due to multi-drug resistant infections like pneumonia, blood infections, or infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or application. Minor potential differences in available branded formulations or dosage forms between the UK and US markets. The generic name 'colistin' is standard in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong connotations of being a last-line, potent, and potentially toxic therapy.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialist in both varieties. Used almost exclusively by healthcare professionals.
Grammar
How to Use “colistin” in a Sentence
The patient was prescribed [colistin].[Colistin] is used to treat [infection].The doctor administered [colistin] [intravenously].[Colistin] resistance is a growing concern.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colistin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The colistin regimen was carefully monitored.
- Colistin-resistant bacteria pose a serious threat.
American English
- The colistin dosage must be adjusted for renal function.
- A colistin-based inhalant is used for some lung infections.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the pharmaceutical industry, may be referenced in reports on antibiotic development, market analysis for last-line therapies, or discussions on drug shortages.
Academic
Common in medical, microbiological, and pharmacological research papers, clinical trial reports, and reviews on antimicrobial resistance.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of specific patient/doctor discussions about a prescribed treatment.
Technical
The primary register. Used in clinical notes, treatment guidelines, pharmacy orders, microbiology lab reports, and discussions among healthcare professionals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colistin”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colistin”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈkɒlɪstɪn/ (like 'collar').
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a colistin' is incorrect; it's a mass noun: 'some colistin').
- Confusing it with other 'mycin' antibiotics like gentamicin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an older antibiotic (discovered in the 1940s-50s) that fell out of favour due to toxicity concerns but has been revived as a last-line treatment for resistant infections.
It is often reserved for the most serious, multi-drug resistant infections because it can have significant side effects, particularly on the kidneys and nervous system. Its use is carefully managed to prevent further resistance from developing.
It is not well absorbed from the gut, so for systemic infections it is usually given by injection (intravenous or intramuscular). An oral form may be used to treat gut infections. It can also be inhaled for certain lung conditions.
Both are polymyxin antibiotics. Colistin (polymyxin E) and polymyxin B are very similar but have minor structural differences that can affect their dosing, clinical use, and toxicity profiles in specific situations.
An antibiotic medication derived from bacteria, used to treat serious infections caused by certain types of gram-negative bacteria.
Colistin is usually specialist / technical / medical in register.
Colistin: in British English it is pronounced /kə(ʊ)ˈlɪstɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈlɪstɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COLI-STIN' fights 'E. COLI' and other resistant 'bugs' that are a 'STIN'gy problem for doctors.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WEAPON OF LAST RESORT in the war against superbugs.
Practice
Quiz
Colistin is primarily classified as what type of drug?