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.
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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. 

Side effects What should I do?
  • Diarrhoea (runny poos)
  • Nausea (feeling sick)
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • These are common and usually settle after a few hours.
  • Tell your healthcare provider if these bother you.
  • Don't drive or use machinery if you feel dizzy.
  • Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, face, and mouth or difficulty breathing
  • Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.


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

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in women
Urinary tract infection (UTI) in men
Urinary catheters

The following links have more information on fosfomycin.

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

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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:

Read more at: https://healthify.nz/medicines-a-z/f/fosfomycin/
Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust