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Daptomycin review
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Daptomycin is lipopeptide antibiotic used particularly in infections caused by Gram-positive organisms. Among the conditions indicated for daptomycin treatment include those caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus such as certain complicated skin infections as wells as bloodstream infections caused by the pathogen. Although effective against bacterial infections, daptomycin does not work on conditions caused by viruses. It can also be used in combination therapy with other drugs, especially those caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
It works by affecting several key factors of cell membrane function in bacteria. This will lead to inhibition of RNA, DNA and eventually protein production in the bacterial cell, causing death. Its effect on several aspects of bacterial function makes Daptomycin an effective drug of choice against multiple-drug-resistant bacteria.
It is available as intravenous preparations that is meant to be dissolved in IV solutions and is marketed under the brand name Cubicin in the United States and will soon be available in Europe and other countries.
Daptomycin is often prescribed to patients suffering from severe skin and tissue infection due to bacteria. It is also useful in treating blood stream infections for patients suffering from right-sided infective endocarditis – particularly those caused by pathogens resistant to other antibiotics such as methicillin.
Since daptomycin comes in a 500mg dissolvable powder, it needs to be properly dissolved in a 0.9 sodium chloride IV solution before being administered. This is done by initially pouring 10ml of IV solution in the vial and slowly dissolving the mixture and letting it settle, before introducing this mixture into the rest of the IV solution.
For patients suffering from skin and tissue infections, a single dose of daptomycin at 4 mg/kg of body weigh is sufficient. This dose should be given throughout a 30 minute period every 24 hours via an IV solution of 0.9% sodium chloride for 1 to 2 weeks. If it is used for the treatment of bloodstream infections like right-sided endocarditis, a dose of 6 mg/kg body weight should be administered with a 0.9% sodium chloride IV solution over a period of 30 minutes every 24 hours for at least 2 to 6 weeks.
For those with kidney problems, the dosage may be modified by your doctor to reduce stress on your kidneys.
You may experience vomiting and nausea, constipation or diarrhea, dizziness, sleeping problems, or pain and swelling at the injection site after being administered daptomycin. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist.
Seek medical attention if you experience any of these more serious effects such as muscle fatigue, weakness and tiredness, sweating and increased thirsting, dark urine, chest pains, irregular heartbeat and jaundice appear.
A rare condition which may occur as a result of daptomycin use is pseudomembraneous colitis resulting from resistant strains of bacteria. This may occur even after treatment has ceased and it is advised not to use any diarrhea treatment medication or narcotic pain relievers as these may aggravate the condition.
Inform your doctor regarding any other medication or supplement you might be taking to prevent any drug interactions. Drugs that have been observed to cause interactions include aminoglycosides, blood thinning medication such as warfarin, and cholesterol medication such as lovastatin. It is also not advised to take this medication after receiving live vaccines as it may interfere with the vaccine’s function.
Notify your doctor as well of any kidney or renal condition you may have as daptomycin is primarily filtered in the kidneys and may cause undue strain on the organ.
• Molecular formula of daptomycin is C72H101N17O26
Brand name(s): Cubicin
Review published on: 11 July 2009
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