Sometimes, when you have a serious bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe an intravenous (IV) antibiotic. Lefamulin is one such antibiotic, often used in a hospital setting. So, in this article, we will talk about this medication in a simple and clear way, what to be careful about when using it, and what side effects it may cause.
What kind of medicine is Lefamulin?
Simply put, Lefamulin is an antibiotic. That is, a medicine that is given to treat infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to the group of antibiotics called `(Pleuromutilin)`. This medicine can be found in the market under the name `(Xenleta)`.
The most important thing is that this medicine only works for bacterial infections. It does not cure viral infections like the common cold and flu. Therefore, it is not advisable to use this medicine without a doctor's prescription.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor decides to prescribe this medicine for you, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heartbeat irregularities: If you have previously had abnormalities in your heart rate or rhythm.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney-related condition.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to Lefamulin or any other antibiotic, medicine, food, or preservative.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is usually given by infusion into a vein, similar to a saline solution. This is often done in a hospital or clinic by a trained healthcare professional.
Very rarely, you may need to take this medicine at home. If so, you will be given proper training on how to prepare and inject this medicine. It is very important to take the right dose at the right time, as your doctor tells you.
Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a specially designated sharps container.
Do you give this medicine to children?
Special care is required when giving this medicine to children. Therefore, talk to your pediatrician for advice before giving this medicine to a child.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Lefamulin can interact with some other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking, including vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
Let's explain this further in the table below.
| How to react | Examples of medications |
|---|---|
| Drugs that should never be taken with Lefamulin | |
| Taking these together with Lefamulin can cause serious side effects. | Cisapride dronedarone pimozide thioridazine |
| Other drugs that may interact with Lefamulin | |
| Your doctor may need to change your dose or monitor you when taking these together. | alprazolam Birth control pills diltiazem, verapamil ketoconazole rifampin simvastatin vardenafil Other medications that can affect the heart rate (medications that prolong the QT interval) |
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, Lefamulin can cause some side effects. Some of them can be serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Severe diarrhea | If you have severe diarrhea with blood or water, do not self-medicate and tell your doctor. |
| Symptoms of a dangerous change in heart rate | Chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, feeling like your heart is beating fast, fainting. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue. |
| Symptoms of low potassium levels | Muscle pain or cramps, chest pain, dizziness, irregular heartbeat. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Normal diarrhea | Going out without a hard stomach. |
| Headache | Common headache. |
| Nausea, vomiting | Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting. |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
Special awareness about birth control and pregnancy
Birth control pills may be less effective while taking this medicine. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control (for example, condoms).
Also, avoid getting pregnant for two days after taking the last dose of the medicine. If you accidentally become pregnant during that time, inform your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Lefamulin is an antibiotic that is only given for bacterial infections . It does not work for viral infections.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience severe diarrhea with blood or water while taking this medication, do not treat it yourself and tell your doctor immediately.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as allergic reactions, changes in heart rate, or yellowing of the eyes, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine can affect the effectiveness of birth control pills, so talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control.
- If you take too much medicine, go to the National Poisons Information Centre or the nearest hospital ETU .
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