Alternative agents to vancomycin for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Kathryn A Culos, Joan P Cannon, Shellee A Grim

Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. kclenn2@uic.edu

American journal of therapeutics 2013 Mar-Apr

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Resistant gram-positive infections, specifically methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carry an increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Historically, MRSA has been a cause of nosocomial infections, although recent reports have noted an increased prevalence in community-acquired MRSA infections. Vancomycin is the preferred agent to treat MRSA. However, cases of S. aureus with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin have been reported, prompting the need for alternative treatment options. In this review, we discuss the currently available agents with MRSA activity and those in development. Linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin have been demonstrated as effective although potential toxicities must be taken into consideration before their use. Daptomycin, tigecycline, telavancin, and ceftaroline are well tolerated but lack the clinical data to support a superior place in treatment over vancomycin. Several new agents in various stages of development have also demonstrated MRSA activity. Currently, vancomycin remains the gold-standard treatment option for MRSA infections. In situations that limit its use, consideration of patient-specific parameters, cost, and relevant clinical data demonstrating drug safety and efficacy should be employed for the selection of the appropriate alternative agent.

Citation

Kathryn A Culos, Joan P Cannon, Shellee A Grim. Alternative agents to vancomycin for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. American journal of therapeutics. 2013 Mar-Apr;20(2):200-12