Fosfomycin is an antibiotic medicine used to kill bacteria that cause infections, specifically urinary tract infections (UTIs). One of the UTIs Fosfomycin is helpful for is cystitis, which commonly affects women.
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that can be caused by an infection. It can be irritating and painful. Some symptoms include a burning or stinging sensation when urinating, dark-coloured pee or a strong odour, the urge to urinate more often, and pain below your stomach.
How does Fosfomycin work?
The most common cause of UTIs, including cystitis, is a type of bacteria called Escherichia coli. It’s naturally found in our bodies and urine, but it can cause an infection. It can then grow, multiply, and cause unpleasant symptoms.
Fosfomycin is an antibiotic, so it essentially works by interfering with and stopping the bacteria from forming cell walls. This forces it to break up, and eventually the bacteria die. [1]
What form does Fosfomycin come in?
Fosfomycin comes in a sachet containing a dissolvable powder you put in water. Each sachet contains 5.631 grams of fosfomycin trometamol, which is equivalent to 3 grams of fosfomycin.
Treated trusted source:
Drugs.com (n.d.). Fosfomycin Monograph for Professionals. Drugs.com.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on December 30, 2024. Next review due on December 30, 2027.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
FosfomycinFosfomycin trometamol
How to take Fosfomycin
The recommended dose for UTIs is one dose (or one sachet) of Fosfomycin.
To take it:
Dissolve one sachet into a glass of water and drink it straight away.
It’s best to take it before going to bed and after emptying your bladder.
Don’t take it with food, as it can delay the absorption of the medicine.
How long does Fosfomycin take to work?
It depends. Taking it with food will make it work slower than on an empty stomach.
However, the concentration of fosfomycin in the urine remains effective against bacteria for at least 24 hours, regardless of whether it is taken on an empty stomach or with food. Fosfomycin undergoes a process called enterohepatic recirculation, where it is recycled between the intestines and liver before being eliminated from the body. It can take anywhere between a few hours and a few days for Fosfomycin to take effect. [1]
What happens if I make a mistake using Fosfomycin?
If you take more than you should, seek urgent medical attention as soon as possible. Wait at least two to three hours before or after food to take Fosfomycin.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on December 30, 2024. Next review due on December 30, 2027.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
FosfomycinFosfomycin trometamol
Fosfomycin isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things you should know before taking it.
Here’s the information you need. Still concerned? Speak to our expert clinical team at any time.
FosfomycinFosfomycin trometamol
Fosfomycin: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Will Fosfomycin give me side effects?
Answer:
Like all medicines, Fosfomycin may cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. Generally, Fosfomycin is well tolerated; however, these are the most common side effects reported:
headache
dizziness
diarrhoea
nausea
indigestion
abdominal pain/cramps
Is there a branded version of Fosfomycin?
Answer:
Monuril is the branded version of Fosfomycin. It contains the same active ingredient and comes in the same form (granules for oral solution). They work exactly the same way to help kill bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. The only differences will be the packaging, visual appearance of the granules, and pricing. In most cases, the generic version of a treatment is cheaper.
Is Fosfomycin safe and effective?
Answer:
For typical lower urinary tract infections, single-dose fosfomycin has been proven effective and is well-tolerated (meaning it doesn’t tend to cause many side effects). Fetotoxicity was also not observed in a study of 291 pregnant women, suggesting it is safe to use if you’re pregnant too. [2]
Another study showed that prolonged use of fosfomycin is safe and effective for suppressing or killing multi-resistant bacteria in treating UTIs. [3]
Do I need a prescription for Fosfomycin?
Answer:
Yes. Fosfomycin is an antibiotic, so you’ll need a prescription after a doctor checks that it’s safe and suitable for your condition.
Treated trusted source:
Huttner A, Kowalczyk A, Turjeman A, et al. Effect of 5-Day Nitrofurantoin vs Single-Dose Fosfomycin on Clinical Resolution of Uncomplicated Lower Urinary Tract Infection in Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018;319(17):1781–1789. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.3627
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Dec 30, 2024
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr. Joseph Palumbo, Senior Medical Adviser
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Dr. Joseph Palumbo
Senior Medical Adviser
Joseph joined Treated in 2023, and is one of the lead doctors providing prescribing services for the platform.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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