Product Name: Colistin Sulfate
Chemical Name: Colistin Sulfate
Chemical Family: Polymyxin Antibiotic
Molecular Formula: C53H100N16O17S- X H2SO4
CAS Number: 1264-72-8
Use: Antibacterial agent for veterinary and pharmaceutical applications
Manufacturer Information: Detailed contact and address of the supplier or manufacturer
Emergency Contact: Local emergency medical or poison control center
Synonyms: Polymyxin E Sulfate, Colistimethate Sodium (see regulatory information for variations)
Classification: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled; may cause allergic reactions, serious eye irritation, and skin irritation
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes severe irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; possible risk of nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity; hazardous to aquatic life
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid all unnecessary exposure; wear protective equipment; do not breathe dust; wash hands thoroughly after use
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, contact with skin or eyes
Target Organs: Liver, kidneys, nervous system
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may cause cumulative kidney or nerve damage
Component: Colistin Sulfate
Concentration: >95% by weight
Chemical Formula: C53H100N16O17S x H2SO4
Other Ingredients: Trace water and minimal binders (may appear in formulated products)
Impurities: Very low, not considered hazardous at trace levels
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms develop such as cough, shortness of breath or chest pain
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes; contact physician if irritation or symptoms occur
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with running water for 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally; seek immediate medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; get medical help without delay, especially in case of drowsiness, nausea, or abdominal pain
Special Advice for Physicians: Treat symptoms; monitor renal and neurological function in severe exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Media: High-pressure water streams, as these may spread dust
Hazards from Combustion: Toxic fumes including nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide may appear
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant clothing; ensure adequate ventilation
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Powder may form explosive dust-air mixtures under certain conditions
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust; wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and dust mask or respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or natural water bodies; contain spill using barriers or absorbent materials
Methods of Cleaning Up: Dampen powder to suppress dust formation; sweep up using tools and transfer to a properly labeled disposal container; wash area with suitable cleaning agent and plenty of water
Disposal: Use government-approved facility for chemical waste; follow local, state, and federal regulations
Safe Handling Procedures: Ground and bond containers during handling to reduce static generation; minimize dust production; handle in well-ventilated area
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work area; wash thoroughly after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; protect from direct sunlight, moisture, and incompatible chemicals
Incompatible Substances: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis
Specific Use(s): For manufacturing, laboratory research, or medicinal use by licensed professionals only
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Goggles or face shield, disposable nitrile or latex gloves, lab coat or chemical-resistant coveralls, dust mask or respirator suitable for airborne particulates
Specific Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; maintain an eyewash station and safety shower in the vicinity
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirator if dust exposure or ventilation is inadequate
Hand and Eye Protection: Wear gloves and safety glasses with side shields at all times during handling
Appearance: White to off-white powder
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Weight: ~1,155.5 g/mol (varies with sulfate content)
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, insoluble in most organic solvents
pH (solution): Between 5.0 and 7.5 for 1% solution in water
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; avoid long-term exposure to heat or light
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable (non-flammable powder)
Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, moisture, direct sunlight
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents, concentrated acids or bases, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition produces nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Polymerization: Will not occur
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under normal conditions
Acute Toxicity: Oral (rat) LD50: approximately 50-200 mg/kg; toxic by ingestion or inhalation
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged exposure linked to kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) and nerve cell toxicity (neurotoxicity)
Routes of Exposure: May enter body through inhalation, ingestion, skin, or eye contact
Symptoms of Exposure: Dizziness, headache, numbness, difficulty breathing, eye and skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress
Sensitization: May cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals
Additional Information: Medical professionals should monitor kidney, liver, and nervous system function during significant exposure
Mutagenicity: Not considered mutagenic based on available data
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No strong evidence in animal studies, but data remains limited
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Very toxic; may cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Moderate persistence; risk of bioaccumulation considered low but not negligible
Mobility in Soil: Product is water-soluble and can enter groundwater
Behavior in Sewage Systems: Not easily removed by standard wastewater treatment
Ecotoxicity Values: EC50/LC50 data shows pronounced impacts at low concentrations for aquatic species
Precautions: Avoid contamination of soil and natural water supplies
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of substance and contaminated packaging in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; use an approved chemical waste facility
Special Precautions: Prevent waste from entering surface water or groundwater; incineration under controlled conditions preferred; avoid landfill if possible
Container Handling: Triple-rinse containers before disposal or recycling; puncture and crush packaging to deter re-use
UN Number: Consult transport authority for exact assignment
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as a dangerous good for land, air, or sea
Packing Group: Not assigned for this material
Proper Shipping Name: Colistin Sulfate (when required)
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant under IMDG standards
Transport Precautions: Protect from mechanical shock, moisture, and incompatible materials during transport
Special Precautions during Transportation: Secure containers to prevent movement and breakage; avoid release of dust
OSHA Classification: Not specifically regulated by OSHA; handled as hazardous based on toxicity profile
EPA Status: Not listed under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory; avoid uncontrolled environmental release
EU Regulations: Complies with REACH as an active pharmaceutical substance; subject to special restrictions due to environmental persistence
Other National Regulations: Covered by pharmaceutical, pesticide, or veterinary regulatory frameworks in most countries
SARA (USA): Not listed as a Section 302/304 extremely hazardous substance; not present on CERCLA or RCRA lists
Labeling Requirements: Ensure suitable hazard, risk, and safety phrases are present on packaging according to GHS guidelines
Workplace Control: Monitor exposure and report according to workplace safety standards