Colistin (Coly-Mycin M Parenteral, Coly-Mycin M) shortage status
Partial shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Some Colistin products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 3 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.
An antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by certain resistant bacteria.
Products affected
1 / 3
In shortage since
Jan 2, 2026
Reports on file
6
Talk to a pharmacist
Pharmacists can substitute an unaffected manufacturer's version, adjust strengths, and in most provinces adapt or renew a prescription on the spot.
Independent services, not affiliated with rxstat; referral fees may apply. Free options exist depending on your province. In an emergency call 911; free health advice at 811.
Shortage history
Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).
Reports by product
The DIN is printed on your prescription label.
Active shortage
COLY-MYCIN M
150MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · SEARCHLIGHT PHARMA INC
DIN 00476420 · since Jan 2, 2026, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
COLISTIMETHATE FOR INJECTION U.S.P.
150MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02244849
Resolved
COLISTIMETHATE FOR INJECTION, USP
150MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · FRESENIUS KABI CANADA LTD
DIN 02403544 · ended Jul 10, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
COLY-MYCIN M
150MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · SEARCHLIGHT PHARMA INC
DIN 00476420 · ended Dec 7, 2022 · tbc
Resolved
COLISTIMETHATE FOR INJECTION
150MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · FRESENIUS KABI CANADA LTD
DIN 02403544 · ended Feb 22, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
COLY-MYCIN M PARENTERAL
150MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · ERFA CANADA 2012 INC
DIN 00476420 · ended Mar 16, 2022 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
What's happening
Colistin is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by SEARCHLIGHT PHARMA INC.
The reported cause is: disruption of the manufacture of the drug. Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.
If your usual product is affected, a pharmacist is the fastest route to a solution: they can dispense an unaffected manufacturer's equivalent when one exists, and in most provinces can adapt doses or substitute a therapeutic alternative without a new appointment.
Colistin is classified under “OTHER ANTIBACTERIALS” (ATC J01XB).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Colistin used for?
An antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by certain resistant bacteria.
When will Colistin be back in stock in Canada?
Manufacturers have not provided a reliable end date. This page updates automatically as soon as an estimate is filed.
Why is Colistin in shortage?
See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.
What can my pharmacist do about it?
Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.
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Drugs in the same therapeutic class, best-supplied first. These are not automatic substitutes: only your pharmacist or prescriber can judge whether a switch makes sense for you.
Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.