| drug name | Fosfomycin |
| classification | Antibiotic, specifically a type of antibiotic called a phosphonic acid derivative |
| pharmacokinetics | Fosfomycin trometamol is primarily renally excreted. It is poorly absorbed orally and its main action is within the urinary tract. A significant portion of the drug is not absorbed and is excreted unchanged in urine. The half-life is relatively short, about 1-2 hours in healthy individuals. Renal impairment can impact the clearance and duration of action. |
| suggested dosage | The typical dosage for a urinary tract infection (UTI) in adults is a single oral dose of 3 grams, or two doses of 1.5 grams each, given 6-8 hours apart. Dosages and schedules may vary depending on the specific infection and severity, and always should be prescribed by a medical professional. |
| indications | Fosfomycin is primarily used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), including cystitis (bladder infection) and pyelonephritis (kidney infection). It is less commonly used for other types of infections because of its limited spectrum of activity. |
| safety in pregnancy | Limited data are available for the safety of fosfomycin during pregnancy. Consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits if pregnancy is suspected or confirmed. Generally, it's considered likely to be safe in most cases, but no definitive statement is possible without more research. |
| safety in breastfeeding | While fosfomycin is excreted in breast milk, the amount is generally considered to be low and unlikely to cause harm to the nursing infant. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using the medication while breastfeeding, as they can assess the risk-benefit ratio specific to each situation. |
| side effects | | 1 | Nausea | | 2 | Vomiting | | 3 | Diarrhea | | 4 | Abdominal pain | | 5 | Headache | | 6 | Urinary tract discomfort (e.g., burning sensation, frequency) | | 7 | Allergic reactions (rare, but potentially serious): rash, itching, difficulty breathing |
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| contraindications | Hypersensitivity (allergy) to fosfomycin or any of its components. Severe renal impairment requiring dialysis may reduce the clearance of the drug and increase the potential for adverse effects. |
| interactions | | 1 | | drug | other drugs for urinary tract infections | | description | Potentially increased risk of side effects |
| | 2 | | drug | certain medications for high blood pressure | | description | Possible interactions with medications impacting kidney function |
| | 3 | | drug | Medications metabolized in the liver | | description | Potential for interactions. Discuss any other medications with your physician |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Consult with a healthcare provider before use if you have a history of kidney problems. | | 2 | Complete the prescribed course of treatment even if symptoms improve. | | 3 | Avoid driving or performing tasks requiring mental alertness after taking the medication if experiencing dizziness or other side effects. | | 4 | Do not use fosfomycin if the infection is not in the urinary tract. |
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| additional information | Fosfomycin is a relatively short acting medication. If the infection does not resolve, consult your healthcare provider to find the correct diagnosis and treatment. It is best taken on an empty stomach to improve absorption, however, it can be taken with or without food. |
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