The primary factor that affects a sufficient daptomycin dose is the location and the exact severity of an infection. More or less medication may be needed depending on whether other medications were attempted beforehand, and the type of bacteria being treated for. A wide range of serious infections may be treated using this drug. Doctors generally determine the appropriate daptomycin dose on a patient to patient basis.
Daptomycin is an antibiotic medication that is used to treat a host of serious infections. It is most notably used for severe skin and urinary tract infections that have reached the kidneys. Often, these illnesses have resisted treatment with another form of drug. Certain strains of bacteria have become resistant to most medications. Drugs like daptomycin have been shown to destroy these bacteria.
The proper daptomycin dose may also be determined by how the drug is administered. A lower dose may be given for patients receiving it through an intravenous line than those taking it orally, because it is more efficient when delivered intravenously. When a patient takes antibiotics orally, not all of the medication is absorbed and used.
The severity and type of an infection may also determine the daptomycin dose. Skin infections often require a smaller dose than kidney and certain other infections. Thorough testing is typically done to determine the source of infection, and the type of bacteria causing the issue. A known drug resistant strain may be immediately treated with daptomycin.
Patient response and potential side effects are also typically considered when determining the proper daptomycin dose. Those who have severe side effects may be put on a lower initial dosage. Sometimes slowly increasing the dose allows a patient’s body to adjust to the medication and prevents severe reactions. In other cases, the medication will need to be stopped altogether and a replacement drug is used in its place.
Daptomycin is not fully understood because it is a relatively new medication. It is typically recommended that patients use this medication for the least amount of time required for proper treatment. There are few studies available on the long-term effects of using a high daptomycin dose for extended periods of time. It is also recommended that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding only use this drug if absolutely necessary.