THE MERCK MANUAL: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
Print Topic

Quinupristin and Dalfopristin Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

-
-

This information has been developed and provided by an independent third-party source. Merck & Co., Inc. does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the content, or for practices or standards of non-Merck sources.

Pronunciation

(kwi NYOO pris tin & dal FOE pris tin)

Generic Available (U.S.)

No

Index Terms

  • Dalfopristin and Quinupristin
  • Pristinamycin
  • RP-59500

Brand Names: U.S.

  • Synercid®

Brand Names: Canada

  • Synercid®

Pharmacologic Category

  • Antibiotic, Streptogramin

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • Streptogramin Antibiotic

Use: Labeled Indications

Treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes

Use: Unlabeled

Treatment of persistent MRSA bacteremia associated with vancomycin failure

Pregnancy Risk Factor

B

Pregnancy Considerations

Because adverse effects were not observed in animal reproduction studies, quinupristin/dalfopristin is classified pregnancy category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of quinupristin/dalfopristin in pregnant women.

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Breast-Feeding Considerations

It is not known if quinupristin/dalfopristin is excreted in human milk. The manufacturer recommends caution if administering quinupristin/dalfopristin to a nursing woman. The increased molecular weight of quinupristin/dalfopristin may minimize excretion into human milk. Nondose-related effects could include modification of bowel flora.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to quinupristin, dalfopristin, pristinamycin, or virginiamycin, or any component of the formulation

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Arthralgias/myalgias: May cause arthralgias and/or myalgias with use; reduction of dosing frequency may improve.

• Hyperbilirubinemia: May cause hyperbilirubinemia (>5 times ULN) possibly through competition for excretory pathways.

• Phlebitis: May cause pain and phlebitis when infused through a peripheral line (not relieved by hydrocortisone or diphenhydramine).

• Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis; CDAD has been observed >2 months postantibiotic treatment.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

• Cisapride: Concurrent therapy with cisapride (which may prolong QTc interval and lead to arrhythmias) should be avoided.

• Drugs metabolized by CYP3A4: May inhibit the metabolism of many drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.

Adverse Reactions

>10%:

Hepatic: Hyperbilirubinemia (3% to 35%)

Local: Local pain (40% to 44%), inflammation at infusion site (38% to 42%), local edema (17% to 18%), infusion site reaction (12% to 13%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia (up to 47%), myalgia (up to 47%)

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Pain (2% to 3%), headache (2%)

Dermatologic: Rash (3%), pruritus (2%)

Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperglycemia (1%)

Gastrointestinal: Nausea (3% to 5%), vomiting (3% to 4%), diarrhea (3%)

Hematologic: Anemia (3%)

Hepatic: GGT increased (2%), LDH increased (3%)

Local: Thrombophlebitis (2%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: CPK increased (2%)

<1%: Abdominal pain, allergic reaction, anaphylactoid reaction, anxiety, apnea, arrhythmia, bone pain, BUN increased, cardiac arrest, chest pain, coagulation disorder, confusion, constipation, creatinine increased, diaphoresis, dizziness, dysautonomia, dyspepsia, dyspnea, encephalopathy, fever, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gout, hematuria, hemolysis, hemolytic anemia, hepatitis, hyperkalemia, hypertonia, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hypotension, hypoventilation, hypovolemia, infection, insomnia, leg cramps, maculopapular rash, mesenteric artery occlusion, myasthenia, neck rigidity, neuropathy, oral candidiasis, palpitation, pancreatitis, pancytopenia, paraplegia, paresthesia, pericarditis, peripheral edema, phlebitis, pleural effusion, pseudomembranous colitis, respiratory distress, seizure, shock, skin ulcer, stomatitis, syncope, thrombocytopenia, tremor, transaminases increased, urticaria, vaginitis, vasodilation

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Refer to individual components.

Drug Interactions

ARIPiprazole: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of ARIPiprazole. Management: Monitor for increased aripiprazole systemic exposure/affects with concomitant use of a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor. Decrease aripiprazole dose to 25% of the usual dose in patients receiving both a CYP3A4 and a CYP2D6 inhibitor (regardless of potencies). Risk C: Monitor therapy

CycloSPORINE: Quinupristin may increase the serum concentration of CycloSPORINE. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CycloSPORINE (Systemic): Quinupristin may increase the serum concentration of CycloSPORINE (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pimozide: CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Weak) may increase the serum concentration of Pimozide. Risk X: Avoid combination

Storage

Store unopened vials under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). The following stability information has also been reported: May be stored at room temperature for up to 7 days (Cohen, 2007).

Reconstitution

Reconstitute single dose vial with 5 mL of 5% dextrose in water or sterile water for injection. Swirl gentle to dissolve; do not shake (to limit foam formation). The reconstituted solution should be diluted within 30 minutes. Stability of the diluted solution prior to the infusion is established as 5 hours at room temperature or 54 hours if refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Reconstituted solution should be added to at least 250 mL of 5% dextrose in water for peripheral administration (increase to 500 mL or 750 mL if necessary to limit venous irritation). An infusion volume of 100 mL may be used for central line infusions. Do not freeze solution.

Compatibility

Stable in D5W; incompatible with saline.

Y-site administration: Compatible: Anidulafungin, aztreonam, caspofungin, ciprofloxacin, fenoldopam, fluconazole (used as undiluted solution), haloperidol, metoclopramide (undiluted), or potassium chloride when admixed in D5W.

Mechanism of Action

Quinupristin/dalfopristin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to different sites on the 50S bacterial ribosomal subunit thereby inhibiting protein synthesis

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Distribution: Quinupristin: 0.45 L/kg; Dalfopristin: 0.24 L/kg

Metabolism: To active metabolites via nonenzymatic reactions

Half-life elimination: Quinupristin: 0.85 hour; Dalfopristin: 0.7 hour (mean elimination half-lives, including metabolites: 3 and 1 hours, respectively)

Excretion: Feces (75% to 77% as unchanged drug and metabolites); urine (15% to 19%)

Dosage

I.V.: Children ≥12 years and Adults:

Complicated skin and skin structure infection: 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours for at least 7 days

Bacteremia, MRSA (persistent, vancomycin failure) (unlabeled use): 7.5 mg/kg every 8 hours (Liu, 2011)

Dosage adjustment in renal impairment: No adjustment required in renal failure, hemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis

Dosage adjustment in hepatic impairment: Pharmacokinetic data suggest dosage adjustment may be necessary; however, specific recommendations have not been proposed

Elderly: No dosage adjustment is required

Administration: I.V.

Line should be flushed with 5% dextrose in water prior to and following administration. Infusion should be completed over 60 minutes (toxicity may be increased with shorter infusion). If severe venous irritation occurs following peripheral administration of quinupristin/dalfopristin diluted in 250 mL 5% dextrose in water, consideration should be given to increasing the infusion volume to 500 mL or 750 mL, changing the infusion site, or infusing by a peripherally-inserted central catheter (PICC) or a central venous catheter.

Monitoring Parameters

Culture and sensitivity

Patient Education

This drug can only be administered by intravenous infusion. Report immediately any pain, irritation, redness, burning, or swelling at infusion site. Report headache; rash; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; pain; heat or swelling in muscle areas, especially in lower extremities; respiratory difficulty, tremors; or difficulty speaking.

Geriatric Considerations

No pharmacokinetic changes in the elderly in one study. No dose adjustment necessary.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

May rarely cause anxiety, confusion, or insomnia

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

May rarely produce pancytopenia; caution with clozapine and carbamazepine

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Assess allergy history prior to starting treatment. Use caution in presence of hepatic or renal impairment. Infusion site must be closely monitored (may cause venous irritation). Monitor for arthralgia, headache, rash, hyperglycemia, opportunistic infection (fever, chills, sore throat, burning urination, fatigue), pseudomembranous colitis, hyperbilirubinemia, dyspnea, and ataxia.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Injection, powder for reconstitution:

Synercid®: 500 mg: Quinupristin 150 mg and dalfopristin 350 mg

References

Bryson HM and Spencer CM, “Quinupristin/Dalfopristin,” Drugs, 1996, 52(3):406-15.

Chant C and Rybak MH, “Quinupristin/Dalfopristin (RP 59500): A New Streptogramin Antibiotic,” Ann Pharmacother, 1995, 29(10):1022-7.

Griswold MW, Lomaestro BM, and Briceland LL, “Quinupristin-Dalfopristin (RP 59500): An Injectable Streptogramin Combination,” Am J Health Syst Pharm, 1996, 53:2045-53.

Liu C, Bayer A, Cosgrove SE, et al, “Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America for the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Adults and Children: Executive Summary,” Clin Infect Dis, 2011, 52(3):285-92.

Olsen KM, Rebuck JA, and Rupp ME, “Arthralgias and Myalgias Related to Quinupristin-Dalfopristin Administration,” Clin Infect Dis, 2001, 32(4):e83-6.

International Brand Names

  • Pyostacine (BE, LU)
  • Synercid (AU, CZ, FR, GR, HN, IT, KP, PL)

Lexi-Comp.com

Last full review/revision March 2012

Copyright     © 2010-2011 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A.    Privacy    Terms of Use