Fosfomycin belongs to a class of drugs called phosphonic antibiotics developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved in the year 1996, for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Fosfomycin helps to treat bacterial infections, particularly uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women caused by susceptible bacteria. It is effective against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. This drug is also used to prevent possible infections before prostate surgical procedures in adult men. Administering the medication before the surgery can help reduce the risk of post-operative infections.

Fosfomycin is available in the form of sachet and injection with dose 4gm and 8gm. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the medicine if your doctor advises you to stop.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Fosfomycin are headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, abdominal pain, and infection of the female genital organs. Some serious side effects also include serious allergic reactions (sudden onset of itching, rash or hives on the skin, shortness of breath and wheezing), swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, moderate to severe, abdominal cramps, bloody stools, and fever.

If you have a history of experiencing diarrhea after taking antibiotics, you must inform your physician before initiating the treatment. Certain antibiotics, including this drug, can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, and this information helps your doctor assess any potential risks or alternatives. Fosfomycin is generally not recommended for use in children under 12 years old. The safety and efficacy of this drug in younger children have not been well-established, and therefore, it is usually avoided in this age group.

Some formulations of this drug contain sucrose. If you have a known intolerance to certain sugars, such as lactose or sucrose, it's important to inform your doctor. They can check the medication's ingredients to ensure it is safe for you to use. Contact your physician immediately if you develop any unexpected side effects or adverse reactions while taking this drug. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning for the pregnancy, consult your physician for more advice before taking Fosfomycin. Physicians may prescribe this medicine only when it is needed.

Take Fosfomycin exactly as your physician prescribes and complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished. Incomplete courses of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance and the recurrence of infections. If you suspect you have a bacterial infection or UTI symptoms, it's necessary to consult your physician for proper evaluation and treatment recommendations.

1. Parapharm Development Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on June 2023] [ Accessed on 19th August 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12553.pdf
2. Zambon Switzerland Ltd, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on July 2007] [ Accessed on 19th August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/050717s005lbl.pdf
3. Fosfomycin for injection - pdf.hres.ca. [Revised on May 2019] [Accessed on 19th August 2023] https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00050889.PDF
4. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Agents for Urinary Tract Infections, 12th edition, 2011, 1467.
5. Bertram G. Katzung, Lange's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Beta-Lactam & Other Cell Wall- & Membrane-Active Antibiotics, 14th Edition, 2018, 811.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.