Fosfomycin

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses

Fosfomycin is used to treat urinary tract infections (acute cystitis) in women caused by susceptible strains of E. Coli and Enterococcus faecalis.

Contraindications

When should one not use Fosfomycin

If you are allergic to Fosfomycin.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Headache
Dizziness
Indigestion
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Stomach pain
Inflammation of vagina

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Fosfomycin during pregnancy?

Fosfomycin can cross the placenta. However, there is limited information about the effect of Fosfomycin on pregnancy. The use of Fosfomycin is not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby unless prescribed by the doctor after considering it to be safe and necessary during the pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Fosfomycin while breastfeeding?

Fosfomycin passes into the breast milk and it may cause harm to the newborn baby. Hence, you should not consume this medicine if you are breastfeeding, unless considered safe and necessary by your doctor.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Fosfomycin?

The effect of Fosfomycin on the ability to drive is not known. However, if you experience headache, dizziness after consuming this medicine, avoid driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Fosfomycin?

The effect of alcohol on Fosfomycin is not known. Talk to your doctor if you consume it too often.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You experience any allergic reactions after taking Fosfomycin.
You experience severe diarrhoea.
Your symptoms do not improve.
Fosfomycin should not be used in children below 12 years of age.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Fosfomycin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, killing the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Concomitant use of metoclopramide (acidity) decreases the effect of Fosfomycin.
Discuss with your doctor about any other medicines, herbal preparations, and supplements you are taking currently to avoid any possible drug interactions.

Interactions with food items

Food delays the effect of Fosfomycin.

Dosage

Overdose

Excess Fosfomycin may cause hearing loss, impaired hearing, a metallic taste, and a decline in taste. If you experience any of the symptoms or think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact y...

Missed a Dose

If you have missed a dose of Fosfomycin, take it as soon as you remember. If it's already time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Ravindra Ghongade

B. Pharm

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Nikita Toshi

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I stop taking Fosfomycin when I feel better?

A: No, do not stop taking Fosfomycin. Complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better, else you might experience treatment failure and the increased risk of recurrence of the infection.

Q: Can the use of Fosfomycin cause diarrhea?

Yes, the use of Fosfomycin can cause diarrhoea along with the desired effect, but not everyone gets them.
It is an antibiotic that kills both good and bad bacteria, when good bacteria present in the intestine gets killed it can cause diarrhoea. If you are experiencing severe diarrhoea, talk to your doctor...
Read more

Q: Is Fosfomycin used to relieve pain?

A: No, Fosfomycin is not a pain killer. It only treats bacterial infections and provides relief from the symptoms of infection.

Q: How long does Fosfomycin take to work?

A: Fosfomycin starts showing activity soon after you take it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria.

Q: Can Fosfomycin cause yeast infection?

A: Yes, Fosfomycin can cause yeast infection of the vagina also known as a fungal infection in some people. If you experience itching, a burning sensation near the vaginal area, consult your doctor immediately.

Q: What are the side effects of Fosfomycin?

A: Headache, dizziness, indigestion, diarrhoea, and nausea are a few side effects that may occur during treatment. However, these symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own. Also, it is not important that everyone experiences the same.

References

View All

Last Updated on: 09 Dec 2025 | 03:54 AM (IST)

Share This With Your Friends

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.