A tetracycline-class antibiotic drip for serious abdominal infections
Eravacycline
A tetracycline-class antibiotic given by drip in hospital to treat complicated intra-abdominal infections.
What is Eravacycline?
Eravacycline is a tetracycline-class antibiotic used in hospital to treat complicated infections inside the tummy (complicated intra-abdominal infections), often caused by a mix of bacteria. It is given by a drip into a vein. Common effects include nausea and reactions during the infusion, and like other tetracyclines it can cause sensitivity to sunlight and can stain developing teeth, so it is avoided in pregnancy and in young children. As with all antibiotics, it can occasionally lead to a gut infection called Clostridioides difficile. It is used under hospital supervision.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Eravacycline — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Eravacycline is an antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline family, used to treat complicated intra-abdominal infections — serious infections inside the abdomen that often involve several different types of bacteria. It is given as a drip into a vein (an infusion) in hospital, rather than as a tablet, so it is used for unwell patients who need treatment under close supervision. It is one of the options reserved for more difficult infections, including some caused by bacteria that resist other antibiotics, and is prescribed by hospital and infection specialists.
How it works
Eravacycline works by stopping bacteria making the proteins they need to grow and multiply, which halts the infection and lets the body clear it. As a tetracycline-type antibiotic, it acts against a broad range of bacteria, including some that have become resistant to older antibiotics, which is why it is useful for complicated mixed infections in the abdomen. Because it is given straight into a vein by drip, it reaches the bloodstream quickly and reliably, which matters when someone is seriously unwell.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A hospital antibiotic used in the UK, given by drip, to treat complicated infections inside the tummy.
Practical use
How to take Eravacycline
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given by a healthcare professional as a drip into a vein in hospital, so there is nothing to take at home.
- Tell the team straight away if you feel unwell, sick or flushed during the infusion, as it may be slowed.
- Protect your skin from strong sunlight while on treatment, as it can make you more sensitive to the sun.
- Report any severe or watery diarrhoea, during or after treatment, as it can signal a gut infection.
- Tell your team if you are or could be pregnant or are breastfeeding, as it is avoided then.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Eravacycline
Advantages
- Effective against a broad range of bacteria, including some resistant ones, in complicated tummy infections.
- Given by drip, so it works reliably in seriously unwell patients who cannot take tablets.
- A useful option when other antibiotics may not be suitable.
Disadvantages
- Can cause reactions during the infusion, such as nausea.
- Like other tetracyclines, it can cause sun sensitivity and stain developing teeth, so it is avoided in pregnancy and young children.
- Given by drip in hospital, and, like all antibiotics, can occasionally cause a C. difficile gut infection.
Practical use
Good to know
A few things are worth knowing. Reactions during the drip, such as nausea or a feeling of unease, are among the more common effects, and slowing the infusion can help. Like other tetracyclines, eravacycline can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so covering up and using sun protection is sensible. Also like other tetracyclines, it can stain teeth that are still developing, which is why it is avoided in pregnancy, in breastfeeding and in young children, when teeth are forming. As with any antibiotic, it can upset the balance of gut bacteria and occasionally lead to a serious gut infection called Clostridioides difficile, so any severe or watery diarrhoea should be reported. It is given and monitored in hospital.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to eravacycline or other tetracyclines should not have it.
- It is avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in young children, because it can affect developing teeth and bones.
- It is used with care in people with certain conditions and only under hospital supervision.
Monitoring
- Watching for reactions during the infusion.
- Checking how the infection is responding and reviewing for side effects.
- Watching for signs of a C. difficile gut infection during and after treatment.
Side effects
- Nausea, vomiting or reactions during the infusion.
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
- Diarrhoea, which, if severe or watery, can signal a C. difficile gut infection that needs prompt attention.
Key interactions
- Like other tetracyclines, calcium, iron, antacids and similar products can reduce absorption, though it is given by drip.
- It may interact with blood-thinning medicines, so these may need closer monitoring.
- Tell the team about all your medicines so interactions can be checked.
Available as: A powder made up into a solution given by drip into a vein.
Answers
Eravacycline: frequently asked questions
What is eravacycline used for?
It is a tetracycline-class antibiotic used in hospital to treat complicated infections inside the tummy, given by a drip into a vein.
Why is it avoided in pregnancy and young children?
Like other tetracyclines, it can stain teeth that are still developing and affect growing bones, so it is avoided in pregnancy, breastfeeding and young children.
Can it make me sensitive to the sun?
Yes, like other tetracyclines it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so cover up and use sun protection while on treatment.
Why might the drip be slowed down?
Some people feel sick or unwell during the infusion; slowing the drip can help these reactions settle.
Should I report diarrhoea?
Yes. Any severe or watery diarrhoea during or after antibiotics can signal a gut infection called C. difficile and should be reported promptly.
The wider class
About Tetracycline-class antibiotic (intravenous)
Eravacycline belongs to the tetracycline-class antibiotic (intravenous) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
Building a medicines information resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free drug and formulary references for teams.