Cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic rapidly bactericidal against most clinically relevant gram positive bacteria.
Approved for treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections from gram positive organisms.
Efficacy in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and endocarditis caused by methicillin sensitive or MRSA equal to Vancomycin.
Once daily intravenous administration 4-6mg/kg.
Associated with elevations of creatine kinase in one quarter of patients treated, with 6.7% having significant elevations.
Patients should be monitored for creatine kinase elevations and skeletal muscle dysfunction on a weekly basis.
CPK elevation is rare and if it occurs will resolve in one week after the discontinuation for the drug.
At 6mg/kg dose once per day is not inferior to standard treatment of bacteremia and right-side endocarditis.
Approved for S. aureus bacteremia.
May be effective against Gram positive organisms, commonly found in osteomyelitis and joint infections.
Does not require serum concentration monitoring.
Well tolerated and has a low potential for adverse effects with a low risk of spontaneous resistance.
Has rapid in vitro bactericidal activity gainst growing and static bacteria.
Use in febrile neutropenia with documented gram-positive infections, (CORE) Cubicin Outcome Registry and Experience, and most patients having received prior antibiotics, associated with an overall success rate of 90% (Rolston K).