Nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin for resistant urinary tract infections: old drugs for emerging problems

Abstract

Uncomplicated urinary tract infection is one of the most common indications for antibiotic use in the community. However, the Gram-negative organisms that can cause the infection are becoming more resistant to antibiotics

Many multidrug resistant organisms retain susceptibility to two old antibiotics, nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin. Advantages over newer drugs include their high urinary concentrations and minimal toxicity

Fosfomycin is a potential treatment option for patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infection due to resistant organisms. Nitrofurantoin may be more effective and can be used for urinary infections in pregnant women

Keywords: antibiotic resistance; fosfomycin; nitrofurantoin; urinary tract infection.