What Is Sivextro Used For?
Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate) treats acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by susceptible bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, or Enterococcus faecalis. It's approved for adults and given as an IV or oral 200 mg dose once daily for 6 days.[1]
How Does It Work Against Skin Infections?
Sivextro is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. It penetrates skin tissue well, achieving high concentrations to kill gram-positive pathogens common in ABSSSI, such as abscesses, cellulitis, or wound infections.[1][2]
Which Skin Infections Does It Cover?
It targets complicated ABSSSI but not uncomplicated ones or infections from gram-negative bacteria, anaerobes, or fungi. Clinical trials showed 6-day treatment noninferior to 10 days of linezolid, with success rates over 90% at 48-72 hours post-therapy.[1]
What If You Have MRSA Skin Infections?
Sivextro is effective against MRSA-related ABSSSI, a key advantage over some beta-lactams. It's often reserved for patients intolerant to vancomycin or linezolid due to once-daily dosing and lower myelosuppression risk.[2]
How Does Sivextro Compare to Other Skin Infection Antibiotics?
| Drug | Dosing for ABSSSI | MRSA Coverage | Key Differences |
|------|-------------------|---------------|-----------------|
| Sivextro | 200 mg daily x 6 days (IV/oral) | Yes | Shorter course, oral switch option |
| Linezolid (Zyvox) | 600 mg BID x 10-14 days | Yes | Higher neuropathy risk with long use |
| Vancomycin | Weight-based IV BID/TID | Yes | IV only, monitors levels |
| Daptomycin (Cubicin) | 4 mg/kg IV daily | Yes | Muscle toxicity risk |
Sivextro edges out linezolid in short-term safety for skin use.[1][2]
Common Side Effects in Skin Infection Patients?
Nausea (4-8%), headache (6%), diarrhea (3-4%), and vomiting (3%). Less myelosuppression than linezolid; monitor liver enzymes. Avoid in kids under 12 or with CYP3A4 inducers.[1]
When Did Sivextro Get Approved and What's the Patent Status?
FDA approved June 2014 for ABSSSI. Patents expire around 2027-2031; check DrugPatentWatch.com for challenges or generics.[3]
[1]: FDA Label - Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/205435s000lbl.pdf
[2]: Clinical trials (ESTABLISH-1/2) in NEJM. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1300032
[3]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Tedizolid patents. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/SIVEXTRO