Fosfomycin

Sounds like 'fos-foe-my-sin'. Also called UroFos®.

Key points about fosfomycin

  • Fosfomycin is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent urine infections (also called urinary tract infections or UTIs).
  • Fosfomycin is a powder that comes in sachets.
  • Fosfomycin is also called UroFos®.
HN 0789 female pharmacist working in dispensary of community pharmacy 1

Fosfomycin is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent urine infections (also called urinary tract infections or UTIs) caused by the E.coli bacteria. It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria and getting rid of the infection.

This medicine is usually used for people who are unable take other antibiotics for UTIs or if other antibiotics don't work as well.

Dose

Fosfomycin comes as a powder in sachets.

  • The usual dose is 1 sachet.
  • Always take fosfomycin exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. The instructions on the label will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.


How to take fosfomycin

  • Dissolve the contents of 1 sachet in half a glass of water and drink immediately. Fosfomycin should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix the powder well with water, before taking. Don't use hot water.
  • Timing: Take fosfomycin on an empty stomach, 2 hours before or 2 hours after a meal. It's best taken before going to bed and after emptying your bladder (peeing).

Like all medicines, fosfomycin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.


Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

  • Diarrhoea (runny poo): Tell your healthcare provider if your diarrhoea is severe, contains blood or lasts more than a few days. If you have a lot of diarrhoea or have been vomiting (being sick) and you're taking the oral contraceptive pill, let your healthcare provider know.
  • Nausea (feeling sick).
  • Headache.
  • Feeling dizzy: Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. Don’t drink alcohol.
     


Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

  • Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.
     

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.

The following links have more information on fosfomycin.

Fosfomycin(external link) NZ Formulary
UroFos(external link) Medsafe NZ Consumer Medicine Information


Brochures

Advice if you are prescribed an antibiotic(external link) BPAC, NZ, 2024
Advice if your child is prescribed an antibiotic(external link) BPAC, NZ, 2024
Medicines and side effects(external link) Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, 2024


References

  1. Fosfomcyin(external link) New Zealand Formulary

Brochures

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Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist, Healthify He Puna Waiora. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

Reviewed by: Angela Lambie, Pharmacist, Auckland

Last reviewed: