Side-by-Side Comparison · 2026

Alamethicin vs Colistin

Alamethicin vs Colistin — mechanism, half-life, dosing, and research status compared. Which is right for your protocol?

Alamethicin
Antimicrobial Peptide

Alamethicin is a 20-residue peptaibol (peptide with a high proportion of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, Aib) from the fungus Trichoderma viride. It is the prototypical voltage-gated peptide ion channel, forming multi-state conductance channels in lipid bilayers whose opening probabi...

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Colistin
Antimicrobial Peptide

Colistin (polymyxin E) is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic structurally related to polymyxin B, differing in the fatty acid chain and one amino acid residue. Like polymyxin B, colistin targets LPS and disrupts outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria....

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Key Parameters
Parameter Alamethicin Colistin
Category Antimicrobial Peptide Antimicrobial Peptide
Research Preclinical (research tool) FDA Approved
Half-Life Membrane-stable Colistimethate (prodrug): 2-3 hours; active colistin: 14 hours
Typical Dose N/A 2.5-5 mg/kg/day CBA IV
Frequency N/A Every 8-12 hours
Route Research only IV (colistimethate) / Inhaled / Topical
FDA Status Not approved Approved (systemic Gram-negative infections)

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Alamethicin and Colistin?
Alamethicin: Alamethicin is a 20-residue peptaibol (peptide with a high proportion of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, Aib) from the fungus Trichoderma viride. It is the prototypical voltage-gated peptide ion channel, ... Colistin: Colistin (polymyxin E) is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic structurally related to polymyxin B, differing in the fatty acid chain and one amino acid residue. Like polymyxin B, colistin targets LPS and ...
Which has a longer half-life, Alamethicin or Colistin?
Alamethicin half-life: Membrane-stable. Colistin half-life: Colistimethate (prodrug): 2-3 hours; active colistin: 14 hours.
Can you stack Alamethicin and Colistin?
Alamethicin and Colistin are in the same category and used together in research protocols. Always consult relevant literature and follow appropriate guidelines.

For research use only. Not medical advice. ASCEND does not conduct or endorse any specific research protocol. Always consult relevant scientific literature and regulatory guidelines.