Cefilavancin

Antibiotic drug

Cefilavancin
INN
Drug class
Routes of administration
Pregnancy category
Bioavailability
Metabolism
Elimination half-life
Excretion
Legal status
CAS Number
PubChem
DrugBank
ChemSpider
KEGG

Cefilavancin is a semisynthetic antibiotic belonging to the glycopeptide class. It is designed to combat Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Cefilavancin is structurally related to other glycopeptides such as vancomycin and teicoplanin.

Mechanism of Action

Cefilavancin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of cell wall precursor units, preventing the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, which is essential for bacterial cell wall integrity. This action leads to cell lysis and death of the bacteria.

Pharmacokinetics

Cefilavancin is administered intravenously. It has a long half-life, allowing for less frequent dosing compared to other antibiotics. The drug is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, with a smaller portion metabolized by the liver.

Clinical Use

Cefilavancin is used to treat serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, particularly those resistant to other antibiotics. It is effective against skin and soft tissue infections, bacteremia, and endocarditis caused by MRSA and other resistant organisms.

Side Effects

Common side effects of cefilavancin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Serious side effects may include nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, similar to other glycopeptides.

Development and Approval

Cefilavancin was developed to address the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. It is part of a new generation of glycopeptides designed to improve efficacy and reduce dosing frequency. The drug has undergone clinical trials to establish its safety and efficacy in treating resistant bacterial infections.

Related pages

• Antibiotic resistance
• Glycopeptide antibiotics
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• Vancomycin