Daptomycin is used to treat infections (usually of the skin or subcutaneous tissue) caused by Gram-positive bacteria susceptible to its action.
What is Daptomycin?
Daptomycin is an antibiotic that works by altering the membrane that surrounds sensitive bacteria to its action. This in turn leads to the death of sensitive bacteria.
How should Daptomycin be taken?
Daptomycin is typically administered by a doctor intravenously via injection.
Side effects associated with Daptomycin
Prolonged or repetitive use of daptomycin can lead to a second infection. In rare cases, treatment may be associated with pseudomembranous colitis or eosinophilic pneumonia.
Among the other possible side effects of daptomycin include the following:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Ache
- Swelling or redness at the injection site
- Sore throat
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
You should contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Loose stools
- Bloody stool
- Changes in the amount of urine produced
- Fever
- Muscle pain or weakness, especially in the calf or forearm
- Numbness or tingling
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Swollen hands, ankles or feet
- Fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
- Tiredness or weakness
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Daptomycin
Daptomycin may impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially when it is taken with alcohol or other drugs. Moreover, the treatment may affect the results of certain laboratory tests.
Before starting treatment with Daptomycin, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, or to other drugs or foods
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: HMG-CoA reductase or tobramycin
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from muscle disorders , nerve disorders, liver or kidney disease, or intestinal problems associated with the use of antibiotics
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
