Daptomycin

Products

Daptomycin is commercially available as a powder for the preparation of a solution for injection or infusion (Cubicin). It has been approved in many countries since 2007. Generic versions are registered.

Structure and properties

Daptomycin (C₇₂H₁₀₁N₁₇O₂₆, M_r = 1620.7 g/mol) is a cyclic lipopeptide that is obtained as a fermentation product from . It was originally discovered in the 1980s at Eli Lilly.

Effects

Daptomycin (ATC J01XX09) has bactericidal properties against aerboe gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, it is ineffective against Gram-negative pathogens because it cannot penetrate the outer membrane. Daptomycin binds to bacterial cell membranes in the presence of calcium, forming a channel and causing rapid depolarization. Loss of membrane potential leads to inhibition of RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis and triggers cell death.

Indications

For the treatment of infectious diseases with Gram-positive bacteria such as , and .

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as an intravenous injection or infusion once daily for one to two weeks.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include:

• Altered liver enzymes
• Anxiety, sleep disturbances
• Anemia
• Skin rash, itching
• Pain in the limbs
• High blood pressure, Low blood pressure
• Stomach and intestinal pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, bloating.
• Fungal infections, urinary tract infections.
• Infusion site reactions, fever, weakness.
• Dizziness, headache