Friday October 28, 2005
3 new antibiotics

Recently atleast 3 new antibiotics have been introduced in market. No doubt, these are big guns but it is important to know their drawbacks.

1. INVANZ (Ertapenem): Unlike other carbapenems this antibiotic has limited role in nosocomial infections due to negligible activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumanni !!

2. CUBICIN (Daptomycin): Cubicin is indicated only for complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Gram-positive organisms including MRSA (no gram-negative coverage). It has been used as off label for VRE and endocarditis but not approved by FDA. Dose dependent myopathy is a concern, and CPK monitoring is required.

3. TYGACIL (Tigecycline): has been approved for complicated skin (including MRSA) and intra-abdominal (MRSA not included) infections. It has very broad spectrum coverage. It is a distinct class similar to tetracycline. Though nick-named as "Superbug Antibiotic", experts warn against use as a first line or mono-therapy. Side effect profile is long including increase liver enzymes, azotemia, acidosis, hypophosphatemia, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia etc.

Readings: Click to get abstract/article.

1. Carbapenems - Dept of Anaesth. & Int. Care, The Chinese Univ. of HK
2. Cubicin: cleveland clinic - pharmacotherapy update
3. FDA warning letter for cubicin - pharmcast.com