Fosfomycin
Antibacterial
Mechanism
Fosfomycin inhibits a very early stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis by acting as a phosphoenolpyruvate analog. It irreversibly inactivates the cytoplasmic enzyme enolpyruvate transferase through covalent binding to its active site. This action blocks the crucial step of adding phosphoenolpyruvate to UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, thereby preventing peptidoglycan precursor formation and exerting its bactericidal effect.
Indications
Dosing
- Adult
- Oral: For acute uncomplicated lower urinary-tract infections, 3 g as a single dose. For prophylaxis of urinary-tract infections in transurethral surgical procedures, 3 g given 3 hours before surgery, may be repeated once 24 hours after surgery.…
- Renal adjustment
- Oral: Avoid if eGFR less than 10 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Intravenous: Use with caution if eGFR 40–80 mL/minute/1.73 m2; consult product literature for dose if eGFR less than 40 mL/minute/1.73 m2.
- Max dose
- 24 g daily (with a maximum of 8 g per dose for intravenous administration)
Side effects
- Antibiotic associated colitis
- Bone marrow disorders (parenteral)
- Eosinophilia (parenteral)
- Hepatic disorders (parenteral)
- Visual impairment (parenteral)
- Agranulocytosis (parenteral)
- Asthmatic attack (parenteral)
- Confusion (parenteral)
- Leucopenia (parenteral)
- Neutropenia (parenteral)
- Tachycardia (parenteral)
- Thrombocytopenia (parenteral)
Pregnancy & lactation
Manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk.
Manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk, as it is present in milk.
Drug interactions
5 additional unreviewed or low-confidence interactions hidden because their provenance or source detail is insufficient.
Related guidelines
Other Antibacterial drugs
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Textbook-sourced·Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Harrison 22e, Katzung·Updated: 2026-05-13