Fosfomycin is an antibiotic Overview of Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections and most other infections. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or stop them from reproducing... read more that has a unique chemical structure. It is used mainly to treat bladder infections caused by Escherichia coli Escherichia coli Infections Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a group of gram-negative bacteria that normally reside in the intestine of healthy people, but some strains can cause infection in the digestive... read more (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
Fosfomycin is usually well-tolerated but may cause nausea and diarrhea.
(See also Overview of Antibiotics Overview of Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections and most other infections. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or stop them from reproducing... read more .)
Use of Fosfomycin During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Fosfomycin should be used during pregnancy only when the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. (See also Drug Use During Pregnancy Safety of Medications During Pregnancy During pregnancy, women may need to take medications to treat new or existing health conditions. Also, certain vitamins are recommended during pregnancy. Before taking any medication (including... read more .)
Whether use of fosfomycin during breastfeeding is safe is not known. (See also Drug Use During Breastfeeding Medication and Substance Use During Breastfeeding When women who are breastfeeding have to take a medication, they wonder whether they should stop breastfeeding. The answer depends on the following: How much of the medication passes into the... read more .)
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
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fosfomycin |
Monurol |