Fosfomycin
Brand names: Monuril, Fomicyt
Fosfomycin is a bactericidal antibiotic; the oral sachet (fosfomycin trometamol) is used as single-dose therapy for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection, while an intravenous form is reserved for serious multidrug-resistant infections.
Adult dose
Paediatric dose
Dose adjustments
No dose adjustment recommended for estimated creatinine clearance 40-80 ml/min (caution, particularly at the higher end of the dose range). For CrCl <40 mL/min the daily dose is a proportion of the normal-function dose (Cockcroft-Gault): CrCl 40 mL/min - 70% in 2-3 divided doses; 30 mL/min - 60% in 2-3 divided doses; 20 mL/min - 40% in 2-3 divided doses; 10 mL/min - 20% in 1-2 divided doses. The first (loading) dose should be increased by 100% but must not exceed 8 g. Chronic intermittent dialysis (every 48 hours): 2 g of fosfomycin at the end of each dialysis session. Post-dilution CVVHF: no dose adjustment required.
Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC; US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients
Side effects
- Erythematous eruption (common)
- Dysgeusia (common)
- Hypernatraemia and hypokalaemia (common)
- Injection site phlebitis (common)
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (uncommon); antibiotic-associated colitis (frequency not known)
- Agranulocytosis (transient), leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia (frequency not known); anaphylactic reactions including anaphylactic shock (very rare)
Clinical monograph
How it works
It inhibits MurA (enolpyruvyl transferase), the first committed enzyme in bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis, giving broad activity including against many resistant Gram-negative organisms.
Prescribing in practice
- Reserve fosfomycin for confirmed or strongly suspected resistant urinary infection in line with antimicrobial stewardship, as it is a valued agent for multidrug-resistant organisms.
- The oral granules are dissolved in water and best taken on an empty stomach, ideally at bedtime after emptying the bladder, to maximise urinary concentrations.
- The intravenous preparation carries a significant sodium load, which is relevant in heart failure and where sodium restriction matters.
Monitoring
Routine monitoring is limited for single oral doses, but electrolytes including sodium and potassium should be checked during intravenous courses.
Counselling the patient
- Dissolve the granules in water and drink immediately, preferably at night after passing urine.
- A single dose is usually enough; return if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Take it on an empty stomach for best effect.
Evidence & guidelines
Single-dose oral fosfomycin trometamol is recommended in NICE urinary tract infection guidance as an option for lower UTI, including some resistant organisms.
Reference: NICE NG109; UK AMR guidance; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Centor / McIsaac Score for Strep Pharyngitis · Throat
- Tumor Lysis Syndrome Risk (Cairo-Bishop) · Oncological Emergency
- FeverPAIN Score for Strep Throat · Throat
- Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction Severity Assessment · Treatment Reactions
- PID Severity (CDC Diagnostic Criteria) · Gynaecological Infections
- Gustilo-Anderson Classification (Open Fractures) · Fracture Classification
- Infective Endocarditis · ESC 2023 Infective Endocarditis Guidelines; NICE NG41
- Eczema Herpeticum · BAD; NICE CKS
- Suspected Bacterial Meningitis (Adult) · NICE NG240 (2024); NICE NG143 (paeds)
- Clostridioides difficile Colitis · NICE NG199 (2021); IDSA/SHEA 2021
- Returning Traveller — Fever · NaTHNaC; PHE; ESCMID 2018
- Malaria — Diagnosis & Management · PHE 2016; WHO 2023