Generic name: daptomycin [ DAP-to-my-sin ]
Brand names: Cubicin RF, Cubicin
Dosage forms: intravenous powder for injection (350 mg; 500 mg), intravenous solution (1000 mg/100 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 350 mg/50 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 500 mg/50 mL-NaCl 0.9%; 700 mg/100 mL-NaCl 0.9%)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 6, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is daptomycin?

Daptomycin is an antibiotic that is used in adults and children at least 1 years old to treat complicated bacterial infections of the heart, skin, or blood.

Daptomycin is also used when other medications did not work or have stopped working.

Daptomycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Daptomycin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Daptomycin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

Daptomycin may cause serious side effects. Stop using daptomycin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;

• new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing;

• pain in your side or lower back, painful urination, blood or pus in your urine; or

• symptoms of sepsis--confusion, fever or chills, severe drowsiness, fast heartbeats, rapid breathing, feeling very ill.

Common side effects of daptomycin may include:

• chest pain, trouble breathing;

• headache, dizziness;

• stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea;

• swelling;

• abnormal blood tests;

• fever, rash, itching, increased sweating;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• pain and burning when you urinate;

• a reaction after receiving injection;

• sore throat; or

• high or low blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, doxycycline, azithromycin, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, clindamycin

Warnings

Daptomycin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use daptomycin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a nerve or muscle disorder;

• diarrhea caused by infection; or

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is daptomycin given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Daptomycin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use daptomycin by yourself.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Daptomycin is available in different brand forms. Be sure you understand how to properly prepare and store the medicine.

Your blood and kidney function may need to be tested often.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

This medicine may cause false results with certain medical tests. Tell the laboratory staff that you use daptomycin.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Daptomycin will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving daptomycin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect daptomycin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• cholesterol lowering medicine--atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect daptomycin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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