In recent years, with the emergence of "superbugs," the issue of antibiotic resistance has sounded a global alarm, bringing unprecedented attention to research in this field. Among numerous antibiotics, after years of extensive clinical monitoring and application, a surprising discovery has come to light: alkaline peptide antibiotics like Colistin, along with vancomycin, an antibiotic previously used infrequently, exhibit extremely low rates of resistant strains. This has allowed these "old drugs with new uses" to regain prominence as crucial antimicrobial weapons in the fight against resistant bacteria.

Today, Arshine Lifescience invites you to delve deeper into Colistin Sulfate – an highly effective antimicrobial agent characterized by broad-spectrum efficacy and minimal resistance. To help industry peers and users gain a clearer understanding and apply it more scientifically, we will systematically elucidate its core concepts, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and explore innovative application strategies in various infection sites, informed by expert opinions. As a company dedicated to providing quality pharmaceutical raw materials and life science solutions, Arshine Lifescience consistently monitors the development and application of cutting-edge anti-infective drugs.

I. Concepts of Peptides and Colistin Explained

The Colistin family belongs to a group of alkaline peptide antibiotics, primarily comprising five types: A, B, C, D, and E. In clinical practice, the most commonly encountered forms are Polymyxin B and Polymyxin E. Polymyxin B is typically administered as Polymyxin B Sulfate, while Polymyxin E is available in two main forms: Polymyxin E Sulfate and Colistin Methanesulfonate (CMS). Arshine Lifescience is committed to providing Colistin series raw materials that meet international standards, ensuring their stability and efficacy in pharmaceutical formulations.

II. Pharmacodynamics Characteristics of Colistin Sulfate

1. Unique Antibacterial Mechanism:
Colistin's distinct polycationic ring structure allows it to bind strongly to phosphate groups on the cell membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, significantly increasing cell membrane permeability. This process leads to the massive leakage of small molecules like purines and pyrimidines from the bacterial cell, ultimately causing bacterial swelling, lysis, and death. Furthermore, studies suggest that Colistin can disrupt cell membranes via vesicle contact pathways, inducing osmotic imbalance and accelerating bacterial dissolution. Notably, it also triggers an oxidative stress response in bacteria, leading to the accumulation of hydroxyl radicals that cause irreversible damage to bacterial DNA, thereby achieving powerful bactericidal effects. Additionally, Colistin offers the added benefit of neutralizing endotoxins within the body.

2. Broad Antibacterial Spectrum:
Colistin Sulfate exhibits potent antibacterial activity against most Gram-negative bacteria. Its highly effective bactericidal spectrum covers key pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Citrobacter. However, its activity is relatively unsatisfactory against Haemophilus influenzae, Bordetella pertussis, Legionella pneumophila, Salmonella, Shigella, as well as all Gram-positive bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, some Gram-negative cocci (e.g., Neisseria species), mycoplasma, chlamydia, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella, Serratia, Burkholderia, and parasites.

III. Pharmacokinetics of Colistin

It is important to note that Colistin Sulfate primarily undergoes non-renal metabolism upon entering the body, whereas Colistin Methanesulfonate (CMS) is predominantly cleared via the kidneys. Research data indicates that approximately 70% of CMS is excreted unchanged through the kidneys, with a renal clearance rate of 103 mL/min. Consequently, for critically ill patients, those with renal dysfunction, undergoing intermittent hemodialysis, or continuous renal replacement therapy, the pharmacokinetics of Colistin Methanesulfonate will be significantly impacted, necessitating precise clinical dosage adjustments. Arshine Lifescience emphasizes that a clear understanding of the pharmacokinetic differences between various derivatives is crucial in the application of pharmaceutical raw materials.

IV. Expert Perspectives: Application Strategies of Colistin in Different Infection Sites

Opinion 1: Monotherapy with Colistin Sulfate is not recommended. Single-drug use may lead to resource waste and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Experts widely recommend combination therapy with other drugs, tailored to the infection site, pathogen type, and susceptibility patterns, to achieve more effective, efficient, and economical treatment results, maximizing the antibacterial efficacy of Colistin.

Opinion 2: For severe infectious diseases caused by multiple pathogens, such as empyema, bronchial obstruction, and duck serositis, combining Colistin with appropriate antimicrobial agents is strongly advised. This strategy not only leverages Colistin's high sensitivity and efficacy but also synergistically promotes drug absorption, enhances synergistic effects, and effectively combats inflammation and endotoxins.

Opinion 3: In the treatment of intestinal diseases, combining Colistin Sulfate with Lincomycin Hydrochloride, Metronidazole, and drugs with hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and reparative properties significantly aids in treating enterotoxic syndromes caused by multiple pathogens, including coccidia, bacteria, and anaerobic bacteria. Arshine Lifescience also provides relevant antibiotic support in the animal health raw materials sector.

Opinion 4: Beyond its therapeutic applications, Colistin Sulfate holds economic value in promoting poultry growth in animal husbandry. Although its use as a feed additive has been banned, on-site administration during high-risk and fattening stages is still considered a viable strategy to optimize production efficiency.

V. Clinical Practice & Case Studies from an Arshine Lifescience Perspective

Clinical case studies of Colistin Sulfate highlight its excellent compatibility and synergistic effects with Doxycycline Hydrochloride, highly water-soluble Florfenicol, and broad-spectrum enhancers. Colistin has demonstrated outstanding sensitivity and efficacy in treating conditions such as chicken cystitis, Escherichia coli sepsis, and duck serositis. However, we must also recognize that precise ratio and dosage adjustments are crucial due to its challenging non-absorption characteristics and complex formulation technologies. While providing pharmaceutical raw materials, Arshine Lifescience also focuses on the challenges encountered in practical application and is committed to collaborating with clients to explore optimal drug formulation solutions.