[Fosfomycin, an old antibiotic with new possibilities].

Dijkmans AC, Kuiper SG, Burggraaf J, Mouton JW, Wilms EB, Touw DJ, Stevens J, van Nieuwkoop C, Kamerling IMC

- Fosfomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic agent used orally for uncomplicated cystitis. The intravenous form of administration has recently been authorised in the Netherlands.- Thanks to its broad spectrum and extensive tissue penetration, fosfomycin offers possibilities for the treatment of infections in different organs.- Infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a significant threat to public health. Many of these multidrug-resistant bacteria are sensitive to fosfomycin, which means fosfomycin may be an option for the treatment of infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria. - There is a lack of knowledge about the pharmacological properties of fosfomycin to establish a good dosing schedule. Knowledge is also lacking about the safety of fosfomycin and the extent of its tolerability in the treatment of different infections. - More research is needed before fosfomycin can be used in the battle against multidrug-resistant bacteria.