Quinupristin and dalfopristin belong to a class 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 called streptogramins. These drugs are given together as a combination (quinupristin/dalfopristin). They are used to treat serious infections (especially skin infections), including those caused by bacteria resistant to other antibiotics.
Quinupristin/dalfopristin works by preventing bacteria from producing proteins they need to grow and multiply.
Quinupristin/dalfopristin is given intravenously, usually through a tube (catheter) inserted into a large central vein, such as one in the neck. This is called a central catheter. Quinupristin/dalfopristin can also be given intravenously into a vein in the upper arm and threaded to a large central vein. This is called a peripherally inserted central catheter, or a PICC.
Quinupristin/Dalfopristin
Common Uses | Some Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|
Serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria Staining and Examination Using a Microscope (such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species) that are resistant to other antibiotics | Aching muscles and joints Increased bilirubin Gallbladder and Biliary Tract The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped, muscular storage sac that holds bile and is interconnected to the liver by ducts known as the biliary tract. (See also Overview of the Liver and Gallbladder... read more Pain and inflammation at the site where the catheter was inserted, especially if inserted in a vein in an arm or leg |
* Bilirubin is a waste product that is formed during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin is processed and then excreted out of the liver. | |
(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 Quinupristin/Dalfopristin During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Quinupristin/dalfopristin should be used during pregnancy only when the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. (See also Drug Use During Pregnancy Drug Use During Pregnancy More than 50% of pregnant women take prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs or use social drugs (such as tobacco and alcohol) or illicit drugs at some time during pregnancy... read more .)
Whether use of quinupristin/dalfopristin during breastfeeding is safe is not known. (See also Drug Use During Breastfeeding Drug Use During Breastfeeding When mothers who are breastfeeding have to take a drug, they wonder whether they should stop breastfeeding. The answer depends on the following: How much of the drug passes into the milk Whether... read more .)
