DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Fosfomycin (fos-foe-MYE-sin)
Brand Name: Monurol

Fosfomycin is used for:

Treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women caused by certain bacteria.

Fosfomycin is an anti-infective. It works by killing sensitive bacteria in the urinary tract by interfering with formation of the bacteria's cell wall while it is growing. This weakens the cell wall and it ruptures, resulting in the death of the bacteria. Fosfomycin also reduces the ability of sensitive bacteria to stick to the cells lining the urinary tract.

Do NOT use Fosfomycin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Fosfomycin

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Fosfomycin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Fosfomycin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Fosfomycin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anorexiants (eg, phentermine) or certain sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, amphetamine, pseudoephedrine) because the risk of side effects may be increased by Fosfomycin
• Lithium or tetracyclines because their effectiveness may be decreased by Fosfomycin
• Metoclopramide because the effectiveness of this medicine may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Fosfomycin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Fosfomycin :

Use Fosfomycin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Fosfomycin may be taken with or without food.
• Separate the administration of Fosfomycin from tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline).
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Fosfomycin is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• To take Fosfomycin , dissolve the contents of 1 packet in 3 to 4 ounces of water and drink immediately. Do not mix with hot water. Do not take Fosfomycin in its dry form.
• Only one dose of Fosfomycin is necessary. Additional doses only increase the chance of side effects. If you forget to take Fosfomycin , take it as soon as you remember.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Fosfomycin .

Important safety information:

• Fosfomycin may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Fosfomycin . Using Fosfomycin alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• If your symptoms do not improve within 2 to 3 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• LAB TESTS, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Fosfomycin is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 12 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Fosfomycin during pregnancy. It is unknown if Fosfomycin is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Fosfomycin .

Possible side effects of Fosfomycin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Back pain; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; indigestion; inflammation of the vagina; loss of appetite; nausea; painful menstruation; runny nose; tiredness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in vision; giant hives; severe abdominal pain; severe diarrhea; vaginal irritation or discharge; worsened asthma; yellowing of skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Fosfomycin :

Store Fosfomycin at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Fosfomycin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Fosfomycin , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Fosfomycin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Fosfomycin . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.