Fosfomycin

What is Fosfomycin?

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. Other ingredients include mandarin flavour, orange flavour, saccharin, and sucrose.

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 take longer to work 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.