What is Daptomycin?
Daptomycin, an antibacterial, is used for treating bacterial infections in the skin or underlying tissues, as well as infections that have reached the bloodstream. Daptomycin can be used to treat complicated infections such as MRSA and "super bugs". MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Daptomycin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Daptomycin
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of face, lips or throat
Daptomycin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe stomach pain; bloody or watery diarrhea (even months after the last dose);
- Flu symptoms: mouth ulcers and throat ulcers; rapid heartbeat; shallow breathing.
- Pain or burning after urinating;
- You may experience tingling or burning in your feet or hands.
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
- If you have a new or worsening cough, a fever, or difficulty breathing,
- Unexplained muscular pain or tenderness.
Daptomycin side effects may include:
- Chest pain and difficulty breathing
- Headache, dizziness;
- Stomach pain, vomiting;
- Swelling;
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Rash, itching, sweating;
- Trouble sleeping
- A sore throat
- Increased blood pressure
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Azthromycin, Metronidazole, and Clindamycin
Warnings
Please read all instructions included with your medication before taking. Informing healthcare provider of medical conditions, allergies and medicines you are currently taking.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to daptomycin, it is best not to use it.
Inform your doctor immediately of any of the following conditions:
- Kidney disease
- A nerve or muscle disorder.
Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.
How to take Daptomycin?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Daptomycin can be given by infusion through a vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use it properly. Please carefully follow all instructions that accompany your medication, especially daptomycin. If there are any discrepancies between what the instructions and your experience say and your experience of taking daptomycin, contact either your pharmacist or physician with any queries that arise. Daptomycin should be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before use. Do not prepare your injection until you are ready. If the color of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. Blood and urine tests may be required frequently. Daptomycin can cause false test results in certain medical tests. Daptomycin can cause false results in certain medical tests. Tell your doctor if you receive treatment. Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the prescribed time. Some infections require treatment for up to six weeks. You can get infections resistant to medications if you skip doses. Daptomycin does not treat a virus such as the flu or the common cold. Daptomycin should be stored in the fridge. Do not freeze. Store daptomycin in the fridge after mixing it with a diluteant. Use within 48 hours. Store daptomycin at room temperature for up to 12 hours. Each vial is only for one-time use. After one use, throw it out, even if the medicine is still inside. Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dosage, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you have bloody or watery diarrhea before taking anti-diarrhea medication.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including a cholesterol-lowering "statin", such as:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet);
- Fluvastatin (Lescol);
- Lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor);
- Pitavastatin (Livalo);
- Pravastatin (Pravachol);
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor);
- Simvastatin
This list is incomplete. Daptomycin may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
