• Infections
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

How Effective is Fosfomycin for UTIs?

Published: March 11, 2025
Updated: March 11, 2025
4 mins

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are easily treatable bacterial infections. Most UTIs are caused by harmful bacteria making their way up the urinary tract. Bacteria can often live in the large intestine and lead to a bladder infection.

Both women and men can experience a UTI. However, women have an increased risk because they have shorter urethras than men. Those with diabetes may also have an increased risk of a bladder infection. Women may also experience frequent UTIs throughout pregnancy. A healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic like fosfomycin to treat a UTI.

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What are the Symptoms of a UTI?

The first sign of a UTI is usually pain, burning, and an odor when urinating. Other UTI symptoms you may experience include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Cloudy urine

If you experience any severe side effects, speak with a licensed healthcare provider right away. They can provide you with the next steps to alleviate symptoms.

What is Fosfomycin?

Fosfomycin is an antibiotic used to treat harmful strains of bacteria. You may also see it under the brand name Monurol.

Antibiotics like fosfomycin are primarily used to treat urinary tract infections. Initially, healthcare providers used fosfomycin to treat meningitis (inflammation affecting the brain and spinal cord). Fosfomycin can be used against primary bacterial strains like Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae.

What is the Proper Dosage of Fosfomycin?

Fosfomycin is available in 3 g (gram) granule packets. Health experts recommend taking fosfomycin with around 3 to 4 oz (ounces) of water. It’s important to stir the granules into cold water. 

How to Take Fosfomycin for UTIs

While you do have to take fosfomycin with water, you don’t have to eat before taking the medication. Fosfomycin can begin to absorb into the body right away. It’s typically given as a single dose. 

However, a healthcare provider may recommend using the medication repeatedly if you experience persistent UTIs. You may see symptoms improve within two to four days of taking the medication.

What are the Side Effects of Fosfomycin?

As with any medication, it’s possible to experience side effects. Side effects you may experience while taking fosfomycin include:

• Nausea

• Runny nose

• Back pain

• Rash

• Fever

• Joint pain

• Vaginal itchiness

• Swelling

• Jaundice

Let a healthcare provider know if symptoms worsen while taking the medication. They may prescribe you an alternate medication with fewer side effects.

What are Possible Drug Interactions?

Fosfomycin may interact with other drugs affecting the gastrointestinal system. A person may experience adverse effects if taking metoclopramide (a medication treating heartburn) and fosfomycin at the same time. 

It’s important to let a healthcare provider know if you are taking other vitamins and supplements before starting fosfomycin.

Other Medications for UTI Treatment

Fosfomycin is one of the most common medications for UTI treatment. Recurrent UTIs in women may require preventative antibiotic therapy. Men with recurrent UTIs may be diagnosed with prostatitis (prostate infection).

Other antibiotics a healthcare provider may recommend include:

• Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin)

• Pivmecillinam (Pivya)

• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

• Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

A healthcare provider may recommend surgery in severe cases. For example, a person may need surgery for a UTI caused by an obstruction like a kidney stone.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

A healthcare provider has to prescribe fosfomycin to patients. Those experiencing symptoms should speak with a healthcare provider right away if they experience any vaginal discomfort. Untreated UTIs may worsen and require emergency assistance.

It’s not uncommon to experience a bacterial infection from time to time. However, it’s important to treat the issue as soon as possible. At LifeMD, licensed healthcare providers can help you learn more about taking care of your urinary tract and prescribe medications like fosfomycin if necessary.

Get started today by learning more about how to prevent urinary tract infections.

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