Fosfomycin

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Fosfomycin is an antibiotic that was first isolated from Streptomyces bacteria in 1969. It has a broad spectrum of activity (broad spectrum antibiotic), so it helps against many different bacterial infectious agents. You can find out everything you need to know about the use, effects and potential side effects of fosfomycin here!

This is how fosfomycin works

Fosfomycin has a bactericidal (bacteria-killing) effect by inhibiting the first step in the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall: it prevents the formation of N-acetylmuramic acid, which is essential for the structure of the bacterial cell wall. Without an intact cell wall, the bacterium cannot survive - it dies.

The broad spectrum antibiotic is effective against many different bacteria such as staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci and enterococci.

The risk that bacteria can develop resistance to fosfomycin is high, which is why it is often only given in combination with other antibiotics in severe infections.

Fosfomycin uptake, breakdown and excretion

The active ingredient is administered either by mouth (orally) or as an infusion directly into the bloodstream. When used orally, only part of the antibiotic is absorbed into the body. It is not metabolized and is mainly excreted in the urine.

When is fosfomycin used?

Fosfomycin can be used for severe bacterial infections, such as:

Central nervous system (CNS) infections such as meningitis (inflammation of the meninges)
Skin and soft tissue infections
Pneumonia and lung abscesses
Inflammation of the lining of the heart (endocarditis)

In such cases, it is usually used in combination with another antibiotic. For urinary tract infections, fosfomycin can also be given alone (monotherapy) (in the form of fosfomycin-trometamol).

This is how fosfomycin is used

The dosage of the antibiotic is determined by the attending physician. It depends, among other things, on the type and severity of the infection and the age of the patient. If the kidney function is impaired, the dose must be reduced.

The antibiotic can be given to newborns as an infusion. The dose is calculated individually depending on body weight.

What are the side effects of fosfomycin?

The antibiotic can cause several side effects, including:

Gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, nausea, diarrhea
headache
allergic skin reactions

If you suffer from severe side effects or symptoms that are not mentioned, please consult a doctor.

What should be considered when using fosfomycin?

Fosfomycin must not be used if the patient is allergic to the active substance or has acute kidney failure. Pregnant and breastfeeding women must also not be treated with the antibiotic: Fosfomycin reaches the unborn child via the placenta or the infant via breast milk.

Interactions

Fosfomycin can interact with other medicines taken at the same time. For example, metoclopramide taken at the same time (for nausea and vomiting) can hinder the absorption of the antibiotic into the body. Other drugs that stimulate bowel movement can also have a similar effect.

How to get medication with fosfomycin

The active ingredient fosfomycin is only available on a prescription in every dosage form (tablet, powder for the preparation of an infusion solution, etc.).

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