Availability<\/strong><\/td>\n Prescription only<\/td>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDosing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Fosfomycin is administered as a single oral dose of 3 grams. Mix the contents of one single-dose packet into 3 to 4 ounces of cool or cold water. Stir the solution well and consume it immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To ensure the full 3-gram dose is ingested, add a small amount of water to the glass, swirl gently to capture any remaining powder, and drink the remaining liquid right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note:<\/strong> Dosing information below is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider\u2019s instructions for exact dosing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nUses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n FDA-Approved Uses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFosfomycin is FDA-approved to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women caused by Escherichia coli <\/em>and Enterococcus faecalis<\/em> strains of bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOff-Label Uses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nYou may see fosfomycin packets prescribed for uses that are not \u201cFDA-approved.\u201d This is a very common and legal practice called \u201coff-label\u201d prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fosfomycin may be used off-label for treating uncomplicated UTIs and prostate infections in men.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Get Savings Updates<\/h2>\n\t Join our mailing list for exclusive deals and more.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSubscribe\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPlease enable JavaScript to use the signup form.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/noscript>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\tSide Effects<\/h2>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Like all medications, fosfomycin packets can cause side effects. Some common side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects may be serious and require medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n
\nDiarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n Headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n Upset stomach<\/li>\n\n\n\n Vaginal pain, redness, swelling, or itching<\/li>\n\n\n\n Dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n Low energy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSerious Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Stop using fosfomycin packets and call your doctor immediately if you experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSevere allergic reactions:<\/strong> Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema); difficulty breathing or swallowing; racing heart; severe rash or itching; and\/or fever.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\nClostridioides difficile (C. diff)<\/em><\/strong> diarrhea:<\/strong> Antibiotics can alter the normal flora, increasing the risk of this severe bacterial infection. Symptoms include persistent or watery diarrhea, fever, blood in the stool, and severe stomach cramping. Symptoms may occur up to 2 months after you take fosfomycin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCall your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\nPharmacist Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\nPrepare Your Dose With Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Never swallow the dry fosfomycin granules directly. Always mix the full packet with 3 to 4 ounces of cool or cold water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Use Hot Water To Dissolve The Powder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Heat can degrade the medication and hinder its effectiveness in treating your infection.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take Your Dose With Or Without Food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n However, taking it with food may help minimize potential stomach-related side effects like nausea or diarrhea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait 2\u20133 Days<\/h3>\n\n\n\n UTI symptoms should generally begin to improve within a few days of taking the dose. If your symptoms persist beyond 3 or 4 days, or if they initially improve and then return, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Limit Or Avoid Alcohol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n While there are no direct interactions between fosfomycin and alcohol, standard guidelines suggest avoiding drinking. Alcohol can suppress your immune response, making it harder for your body to fight the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Store At Room Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Fosfomycin packets should be stored at 68\u00b0F to 77\u00b0F (20\u00b0C to 25\u00b0C) in a cool, dry place away from light.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tell Your Provider If You\u2019re Pregnant Or Breastfeeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Fosfomycin can be taken during pregnancy, but it is not known if the medication passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be so that they can recommend the safest option for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drug Interactions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Certain medications and substances can interact with fosfomycin packets, potentially altering how it works or increasing the risk of side effects. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nDrugs that affect gastrointestinal motility: <\/strong>Fosfomycin can interact with medications that affect how quickly food and medicines move through your digestive system, such as metoclopramide (Reglan). If you are taking metoclopramide, your provider may recommend taking the medications at two different times to ensure the fosfomycin is fully absorbed.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nAlways give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\tFAQs<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n
\n\t\n\t\tWhy must fosfomycin granules be dissolved in water rather than swallowed dry?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Fosfomycin is a granulated powder that must be dissolved into a liquid oral solution to be safely ingested and absorbed by the body. Swallowing the medication dry is strictly advised against.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tHow much cold water is required to dissolve a fosfomycin sachet?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Standard guidelines suggest using approximately 3 to 4 ounces of cool or cold water, or about half a cup.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tShould fosfomycin be taken on an empty stomach or with a meal?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Fosfomycin can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food. However, taking it with a meal might help reduce the likelihood of experiencing gastrointestinal-related side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tHow long does fosfomycin take to relieve urinary tract infection symptoms?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Some people may begin to notice improvement within a few days, though response time can vary.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tWhat is the medical protocol if urinary tract infection symptoms persist three days after taking fosfomycin?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
If symptoms fail to improve by the third or fourth day \u2014 or if they worsen \u2014 contact your healthcare team. They may want to perform further testing to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine whether you need a different type of antibiotic.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tIs fosfomycin safe for patients with a penicillin or sulfa allergy?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Yes, fosfomycin is generally safe for individuals with penicillin or sulfa allergies. It is not a sulfa drug, nor is it related to penicillin. It belongs to an entirely different class of antibiotics. However, it\u2019s always a good idea to share any allergies you have with your provider before starting a new medication.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tIs fosfomycin approved for treating kidney infections?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
No, fosfomycin is only approved for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. It is not suitable or approved for more severe complications, such as pyelonephritis (kidney infections), and should not be used for infections located outside of the bladder and urinary tract.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tIs fosfomycin considered safe to take during pregnancy?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Yes, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists considers fosfomycin a safe treatment option for most urinary tract infections during pregnancy. Pregnant people should still consult their healthcare provider to ensure it is the right choice for their specific situation.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tDoes the fosfomycin powder formulation contain sucrose or artificial sweeteners?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Yes, fosfomycin powder contains both sucrose and artificial sweeteners like saccharin as inactive ingredients. These are included to improve the taste.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\tDoes fosfomycin interact with the efficacy of oral contraceptives?<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg>\n\t<\/summary>\n\t\n\t\t\n\n
Fosfomycin is not known to interact significantly with birth control pills. It is always recommended to share a full list of medications with your healthcare provider so they can check for possible interactions.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n