Fosfomycin is an antibiotic that has a unique chemical structure. It is used mainly to treat bladder infections caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Enterococcus faecalis. It is sometimes used to treat other infections when they are caused by bacteria resistant to other antibiotics.
Some bacteria have an outer covering (cell wall) that protects them. Fosfomycin works by preventing bacteria from forming this wall, resulting in death of the bacteria.
Fosfomycin
Common Uses | Some Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|
Urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Enterococcus faecalis Infections caused by fosfomycin-susceptible bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci* | Nausea and diarrhea |
* These infections require intravenous fosfomycin (not available in the United States). | |
Fosfomycin is usually well-tolerated but may cause nausea and diarrhea.
(See also Overview of Antibiotics.)
Matumizi ya Fosfomycin Wakati wa Ujauzito na Kunyonyesha
Fosfomycin should be used during pregnancy only when the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. (See also Safety of Medications During Pregnancy.)
Whether use of fosfomycin during breastfeeding is safe is not known. (See also Medication and Substance Use During Breastfeeding.)
