Daptomycin
About
Daptomycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat complicated skin and skin structure infections and blood infections such as bacteremia (presence of bacteria in the bloodstream) and right-sided infective endocarditis (inflammation/swelling of the inner lining of the heart due to the presence of bacteria). A bacterial infection occurs when harmful bacteria enter the body, multiply and cause infection. It can infect any part of the body and multiply very quickly. Daptomycin is only effective in treating infections caused by bacteria and not effective for viral infections like flu or a common cold.
Daptomycin contains Daptomycin, which belongs to the cyclic lipopeptide class of antibiotics. It works against various types of bacteria. This medicine works by inhibiting the process of bacterial cell wall synthesis that is required for its survival. Thus, Daptomycin kills bacteria and prevents the growth of bacterial infection.
Daptomycin may cause certain common side effects such as injection site reactions, rash, vomiting, allergic reaction, chest pain, hypotension, increased sweating, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, sore throat, nausea, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects are mild and subside over time. However, if these persist, contact your doctor immediately. This medicine is a parenteral formulation. A qualified healthcare doctor will administer it. Hence, do not self-administer.
Daptomycin should be avoided if you are allergic to it or other antibiotics. Daptomycin should be used with caution if you have liver problems, kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, eosinophilic pneumonia, peripheral neuropathy, heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia), or electrolyte imbalance (low potassium or magnesium level). Inform your doctor if you have/had diarrhoea for more than four days. However, do not take any anti-diarrheal medicine until your doctor tells you. Birth control pills may not work effectively while using this medication. So, speak to your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control to avoid pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Daptomycin. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Uses of Daptomycin
Medicinal Benefits
Daptomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. Daptomycin contains Daptomycin, which belongs to the cyclic lipopeptide class of antibiotics. It works against various types of bacteria. This medicine works by inhibiting the process of bacterial cell wall synthesis that is required for its survival. Thus, Daptomycin kills bacteria and prevents the growth of bacterial infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Daptomycin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Hypotension
- Chest pain
- Sore throat
- Increased sweating
- Injection site reactions
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Avoid receiving Daptomycin if you are allergic to it or other antibiotics. Daptomycin should be used with caution if you have liver problems, kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, eosinophilic pneumonia, peripheral neuropathy, heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia), or electrolyte imbalance (low potassium or magnesium level). Inform your doctor if you have/had diarrhoea for more than four days. However, do not take any anti-diarrheal medicine until your doctor tells you. Daptomycin is ineffective for treating pneumonia and left-sided infective endocarditis. Birth control pills may not work effectively while using this medication. So, speak to your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control to avoid pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Daptomycin. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age as the safety and efficacy is not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Daptomycin should not be given with Typhoid vaccine (live), anti-gout medicine (allopurinol/ probenecid), birth control pills.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol while receiving Daptomycin as it can cause serious side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Daptomycin should not be administered in patients with Renal dysfunction, liver disease, myopathy, peripheral neuropathy, rhabdomyolysis, and hemodialysis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while receiving treatment with Daptomycin as it may worsen your condition.
Pregnancy
cautionLimited data are available for the use of Daptomycin in pregnancy. Hence, this medicine should not be used in pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy before receiving Daptomycin.
Breast Feeding
cautionLimited data are available for the use of Daptomycin in breastfeeding. Hence, this medicine should not be used in breastfeeding mothers unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding your child before receiving Daptomycin.
Driving
unsafeAvoid driving vehicles or operating machines as Daptomycin causes dizziness and makes you feel sleepy or dizzy.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Daptomycin. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionDaptomycin should be used under caution in patients with kidney disease. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks. If prescribed, your doctor may adjust the dose based on your health condition.
Children
unsafeDaptomycin is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age as the safety and efficacy is not established
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Diarrhea may happen as a side effect. Taking probiotics after receiving Daptomycin may help. Talk to your doctor if you notice blood stools or develop stomach cramps.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid an upset stomach and hydrate your body.
- Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Daptomycin as it can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Daptomycin in fighting off infections.
- Maintain good hygiene and avoid contaminated or processed food.
- Include more fibre-enriched food like whole-grain bread and brown rice in your diet, as it can be easily digested by your gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth.
- Avoid taking too much calcium-enriched foods and drinks as it might affect the working of Daptomycin.
Special Advise
- Even if you feel better after receiving Daptomycin, do not stop the administration of it. This might cause the symptoms to reappear and will make the infection difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance.
- Make sure you drink plenty of fluids when you are sick. This will, in general, help you clear out the infection faster, protect you from dehydration, and help you overcome some unpleasant side effects of taking Daptomycin.
- Stop receiving Daptomycin and consult your doctor immediately if you develop any allergic reactions such as itching, skin rash, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, and breathing difficulties.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. It can target any part of the body and multiply very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Anyone can get a bacterial infection, but people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines like steroids are more prone to infections. Daptomycin does not work against infections caused by viruses, including colds and flu. Daptomycin is used to treat skin and skin structure infections, bacteremia and right-sided infective endocarditis.
FAQs
Daptomycin contains daptomycin, an antibiotic that works by interfering with the formation of the bacterial cell wall (a protective covering) that is necessary for their survival. Thereby damaging the bacterial cell wall and killing bacteria.
Do not use anti-diarrhoeal medication until the doctor has prescribed you. You can drink plenty of fluids (electrolytes) to avoid dehydration. Besides this, you can also take prebiotics or probiotics to manage diarrhea as it may help in increasing the number of good bacteria in the intestine, which aids in digestion.
No, Daptomycin is not used to treat lung infections such as pneumonia caused by bacteria.
Daptomycin does not work against viral infection. So, it should not be taken to treat the common cold or cough. Consult your doctor if you have these symptoms.
As Daptomycin is injectable, it can start working soon after administration. However, Daptomycin may take a few days to kill the bacteria and prevent further spread of infection.
