Lefamulin Acetate

Indications

Pneumonia

Lefamulin Acetate is used to treat adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). It works when the infection is caused by susceptible microorganisms, which are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin susceptible isolates), Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pharmacology

Lefamulin Acetate is a semi-synthetic antibacterial that can be given by mouth or into a vein. It works in a new way, and this gives it an advantage against resistant bacteria that cause pneumonia. Lefamulin belongs to the pleuromutilin group and acts on the whole body (it is a systemic antibacterial).

The medicine stops bacteria from making their proteins. It does this by binding to the A- and P-sites of the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) in domain V of the 23s rRNA of the 50S subunit. The binding happens through hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions and Van der Waals forces.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy: No clinical studies have been done in pregnant women. Animal studies show that Lefamulin Acetate led to more stillbirths. Malformations were also seen in rats, at systemic exposures lower than the exposure in CAP patients. Lefamulin IV should be used during pregnancy only if the likely benefit justifies the possible risk to the mother and the fetus.

Lactation: There are no data on whether Lefamulin Acetate passes into human milk, what it does to a breastfed infant, or whether it affects milk production. Animal studies show that Lefamulin was concentrated in the milk of lactating rats. Because serious adverse reactions are possible, including QT interval prolongation, a woman should pump and discard her milk for the whole course of Lefamulin IV and for 2 days after the final dose.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.

Adults: For adults with CABP, the dose of Lefamulin is 150 mg by intravenous infusion every 12 hours, given over 60 minutes, for 5 to 7 days. The doctor may switch the patient to Lefamulin Tablets 600 mg every 12 hours to complete the course. Lefamulin tablet 600 mg can also be taken by mouth every 12 hours for 5 days. Patients with severe hepatic impairment need a dosage adjustment. Dosage adjustment for patients with hepatic impairment Lefamulin Injection: For patients with severe hepatic impairment, reduce the dose to 150 mg infused intravenously over 60 minutes every 24 hours. Patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment don't need any adjustment of the injection dose. Lefamulin Tablets: These have not been studied in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment and are not recommended for them. Patients with mild hepatic impairment don't need a dosage adjustment of the tablets. Important administration instructions Lefamulin Injection: Give it by intravenous infusion over 60 minutes. Before use, it must be diluted in a 250 ml solution of citrate buffered 0.9% sodium chloride for injection, which is supplied with the injection. Lefamulin Tablets: Take them at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. Do not crush or divide the tablet. Missed dose: If a dose is missed, the patient should take it as soon as possible, at any time up to 8 hours before the next scheduled dose. If less than 8 hours remain before the next scheduled dose, the patient should not take the missed dose and should carry on with the next scheduled dose. Preparation of Lefamulin Injection for intravenous infusion Dilute the entire 15 ml vial of Lefamulin Injection into the diluent bottle supplied with it, which contains 250 ml citrate buffered 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Use aseptic technique when adding the injection to the diluent bottle, and mix thoroughly. Use the diluent bottle only if the solution is clear and the container is undamaged. Do not use the diluent bottle in series connections. Do not add other additives to the diluent bottle, because their compatibility with Lefamulin Injection has not been established.