For what type of infection is Fosfomycin primarily prescribed?

Fosfomycin is primarily prescribed for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). This medication works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria commonly associated with UTIs.

Uncomplicated UTIs typically involve otherwise healthy individuals with no structural abnormalities of the urinary tract or comorbidities that complicate treatment. Fosfomycin is particularly favored in these cases due to its convenient single-dose option, oral administration, and targeting of pathogens often implicated in UTIs, such as E. coli and Enterococcus.

In contrast, complicated UTIs may involve more resistant organisms or patients with underlying health issues that require a more aggressive or tailored antibiotic regimen. Fosfomycin is not typically the first line for these scenarios. Additionally, while it has some activity against certain bacteria, it is not the primary treatment for staphylococcus or pneumococcal infections, which require other specific antibiotics based on the organism's sensitivity and the site of infection.