A review of daptomycin for injection (Cubicin) in the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections

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Authors: D Matthew Shoemaker, Jikerkhoun Simou, William E Roland

Published Date January 2006 Volume 2006:2(2) Pages 169 - 174

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S

D Matthew Shoemaker, Jikerkhoun Simou, William E Roland

Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA

Abstract: Daptomycin is a novel bactericidal antibiotic with excellent activity against grampositive organisms. It is a large cyclic lipopeptide with a unique mechanism of action. Daptomycin is given once a day and is renally cleared, requiring dose adjustment in patients with impaired renal function. Unfortunately, there have been case reports of resistant grampositive organisms. Daptomycin is generally well tolerated, though myopathy has been reported. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors should be stopped in patients on daptomycin. Daptomycin shows promise in experimental models of endocarditis, meningitis, ventriculitis, and peritonitis, and is currently approved for use in skin and soft-tissue infections. Daptomycin is a welcome newcomer to the gram-positive antimicrobial arsenal.

Keywords: daptomycin, lipopeptide, antibiotic, skin infection