Lefamulin

Lefamulin is an antibiotic from the pleuromutilin class used to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CAP). It blocks bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal active site.

Dosage and Administration

For CAP, lefamulin is taken at a dose of 600 mg every 12 hours for 5 days. The tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. The medication should be swallowed whole with water. It should not be chewed or crushed.

Indications

Lefamulin is effective in the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia caused by sensitive microorganisms:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae;
• Staphylococcus aureus (sensitive to methicillin or oxacillin);
• Haemophilus influenzae;
• Legionella pneumophila;
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae;
• Chlamydophila pneumoniae.

Contraindications

• Concurrent use with drugs that prolong the QT interval and are metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme, such as tacrolimus, dofetilide, and quetiapine;
• Pregnancy: Animal studies have shown fetal toxicity, and clinical trials in humans have not been conducted. Alternative options should be considered before prescribing lefamulin to pregnant women;
• Breastfeeding: Lefamulin may pass into breast milk. It is recommended that nursing mothers stop breastfeeding for the entire treatment period and for two days after the last dose of the drug.