Fosfomycin, or fosfomycin trometamol, is an antibiotic that is often prescribed for urinary tract infections, like acute or recurrent cystitis and urethritis. It can also be prescribed when bacteria is detected in the urine during pregnancy even if the mother does not present with infectious symptoms.

Fosfomycin can also be prescribed to prevent urinary infections after surgery, as it works by eliminating bacteria from the urinary tract. It is particularly effective against staphylococci, streptococci, E.coli, Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp., Enterobacter sp. and Citrobacter sp bacteria.

This medicine can be found in pharmacies or drugstores in the form of a 3 g sachet. It is also known as Monuril, and can be obtained with a prescription.

What is it used for?

Fosfomycin is indicated for the treatment of:

Acute or recurrent cystitis
Acute bacterial urethrovesical syndrome
Urethritis
Bacteria in urine during pregnancy, even without infectious symptoms
Urinary tract infection after surgery.

Fosfomycin may also be prescribed by the doctor to prevent urinary infections after surgeries and other urinary tract procedures, like a cystoscopy or cystourethrography exams.

How to take

The contents in the fosfomycin sachet should be dissolved in a glass of water (50 to 75 mL) and mixed with a spoon. The solution should be taken on an empty stomach immediately after preparation, preferably at night before going to bed and after urinating.

Fosfomycin can be taken as follows, as per your doctor’s instructions:

Acute infections: 1 sachet of fosfomycin, taken as a single dose;
Pseudomonas, Proteus and Enterobacter infections: 2 sachets of fosfomycin, taken 24 hours apart
Prevention of urinary infections, before surgical interventions or after procedures: 2 sachets of fosfomycin, the first taken 3 hours before the procedure and the second, 24 hours later.

After starting treatment, symptoms are expected to disappear within 2 to 3 days. If you do not note improvement in your symptoms, consult your doctor for further assessment. Check-out home remedies for UTIs that you can prepare when taking fosfomycin,

Possible side effects

Some of the side effects that may occur during treatment with fosfomycin are headache, dizziness, vaginal infections, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, or skin reactions including itching and redness.

Contraindications for use

Fosfomycin should not be used by anyone who is allergic to fosfomycin or any of the components in the formula. Furthermore, it should also not be used by anyone undergoing hemodialysis, children under 12 years of age or in cases of severe kidney failure.

Fosfomycin during pregnancy or breastfeeding should only be used as per medical advice and guidance.