FDA/CDC

FDA approves omadacycline for pneumonia and skin infections


 

The Food and Drug Administration has approved omadacycline (Nuzyra), a tetracycline antibiotic, for treating community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) in adults, the manufacturer, Paratek, announced in a press release.

FDA icon

The company expects that omadacycline will be available in the first quarter of 2019. Administered once-daily in either oral or IV formulations, the antibiotic was effective and well tolerated across multiple trials, which altogether included almost 2,000 patients, according to Paratek. As part of the approval, the company has agreed to conduct postmarketing studies, specifically, more studies in CABP and in pediatric populations. “To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Nuzyra and other antibacterial drugs, Nuzyra should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria,” according to a statement in the indications section of the prescribing information.

Omadacycline is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or any members of the tetracycline class of antibacterial drugs; hypersensitivity reactions have been observed, so use should be discontinued if one is suspected. Use of this drug during later stages of pregnancy can lead to irreversible discoloration of the infant’s teeth and inhibition of bone growth; it should also not be used during breastfeeding.

Because omadacycline is structurally similar to tetracycline class drugs, some adverse reactions to those drugs may be seen with this one, such as photosensitivity, pseudotumor cerebri, and antianabolic action. Adverse reactions known to have an association with omadacycline include nausea, vomiting, hypertension, insomnia, diarrhea, constipation, and increases of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and/or gamma-glutamyl transferase.

Drug interactions may occur with anticoagulants, so dosage of those drugs may need to be reduced while treating with omadacycline. Antacids also are believed to have a drug interaction – specifically, impairing absorption of omadacycline

Recommended Reading

Screen all infants exposed to Zika for eye abnormalities, study suggests
MDedge Pediatrics
Sprain an ankle, get an opioid
MDedge Pediatrics
FDA attacks antibiotic resistance with new strategy
MDedge Pediatrics
Natural history is comparable for astrovirus, sapovirus, norovirus
MDedge Pediatrics
Residents curb IV antibiotic overuse in children
MDedge Pediatrics
Congenital syphilis rates continue skyrocketing alongside other STDs
MDedge Pediatrics
Educate your adolescent patients about herpes
MDedge Pediatrics
Recommending HPV vaccination: How would you grade yourself?
MDedge Pediatrics
ID experts urge widespread flu vaccination for 2018-2019 season
MDedge Pediatrics
Trials need standardized reporting of pediatric fever after flu vaccine
MDedge Pediatrics