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| B. Joseph Guglielmo, PharmD |
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Streptogramins
Synercid, the one approved streptogramin, is a combination
of two synthetic derivatives of pristinamycinquinupristin
and dalfopristinin a 30:70 ratio that is administered
intravenously. It is bactericidal and inhibits protein synthesis
by binding to bacterial ribosomes. Its major clinical use is in
the therapy of gram-positive infections, particularly methicillin-resistant S
aureus and S epidermidis and enterococci,
including vancomycin-resistant E faecium. The combination
is not reliably active against E faecalis. The
recommended dose is 7.5 mg/kg/dose intravenously
every 8 hours. In addition to phlebitis with peripheral administration,
the major adverse effect is arthralgias and myalgias, which resolve
with discontinuation of the drug. It is primarily cleared via the
liver; streptogramins inhibit the cytochrome P450 system, resulting
in increased levels of cyclosporine and other agents. With the availability
of linezolid and daptomycin, the indications for this agent are
extremely limited. |
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