What is Dalfopristin?
Dalfopristin is a semisynthetic antibiotic that belongs to the class of quinupristin/dalfopristin. It is used in combination with dalfopristin (quinupristin) to treat infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Dalfopristin exerts its antimicrobial activity by inhibiting protein synthesis. The drug is typically administered intravenously and is often used in conjunction with other antibiotics to combat resistant bacterial strains.
What is Dalfopristin used for?
Dalfopristin is an antibiotic medication used in combination with quinupristin (quinupristin-dalfopristin). It belongs to the class of medications known as streptogramins, which work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Dalfopristin works by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, thereby preventing the assembly of peptide chains. This action ultimately leads to the inhibition of bacterial growth and proliferation.
Dalfopristin is specifically indicated for the treatment of infections caused by certain Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus or MRSA), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and other streptococcal species that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. It is often used in cases where standard antibiotic therapy has failed or when there is a high risk of bacterial resistance development. The drug is administered intravenously over 30-60 minutes and should be dosed at 7.5 mg/kg every 8 hours.
Dalfopristin’s mechanism of action is unique compared to other antibiotics, as it combines the antibacterial activity of two distinct components: quinupristin and dalfopristin. Quinupristin inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the ribosome’s 50S subunit, while dalfopristin binds to the ribosome’s 30S subunit, creating a synergy that enhances antibacterial activity against certain pathogens.
Dalfopristin side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Increased liver enzymes
- Elevated creatinine levels
- Hypokalemia
- Electrolyte disturbances
- Pruritus
- Urticaria
- Rash
- Allergic reactions (rare)
- Thrombocytopenia
- Pancytopenia
- Hemolysis
- Acute renal failure
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