An aminoglycoside drip antibiotic for resistant urinary infections
Plazomicin
An aminoglycoside antibiotic given by drip for serious urinary infections caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
What is Plazomicin?
Plazomicin is a specialist antibiotic from the aminoglycoside group, used to treat serious urinary infections caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria that other antibiotics cannot reliably clear. It is given by drip into a vein in hospital. Its most important safety concerns are damage to the kidneys and to the hearing and balance system (the inner ear), and these guide how it is used: blood levels of the medicine are measured to keep the dose in a safe range. It is also used with care in people with muscle or nerve conditions and during pregnancy.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Plazomicin — 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
Plazomicin is an antibiotic belonging to the aminoglycoside family. It is used in hospital to treat serious infections of the urinary system, including the kidneys, caused by certain resistant Gram-negative bacteria, when other antibiotics are unlikely to work. It is given as a drip into a vein rather than by mouth. Because aminoglycosides can affect the kidneys and the inner ear, plazomicin is reserved for situations where it is genuinely needed, and it is given under close specialist supervision with monitoring of its level in the blood.
How it works
Plazomicin kills bacteria by interfering with the way they build the proteins they need to survive, the typical action of aminoglycoside antibiotics. It is particularly aimed at certain Gram-negative bacteria that have become resistant to many other antibiotics. Because the same family of antibiotics can build up and harm the kidneys and the hearing and balance system, the amount in the blood is measured during treatment so the dose can be adjusted to stay effective but as safe as possible. It is given into a vein so that reliable levels reach the infection.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist antibiotic given by drip in hospital for serious urinary infections caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
Practical use
How to take Plazomicin
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.
- Blood tests are taken to measure the level of the medicine so the dose can be kept in a safe range.
- Report any new ringing in the ears, change in hearing, dizziness or unsteadiness straight away.
- Tell the team if you pass less urine than usual, as this can be a sign of a kidney effect.
- Tell the team about any muscle or nerve conditions, as the medicine can worsen muscle weakness.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Plazomicin
Advantages
- An effective option for serious urinary infections caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
- Works against bacteria that many other antibiotics can no longer reliably clear.
- Given by drip with blood-level monitoring to help keep the dose effective and as safe as possible.
Disadvantages
- Can damage the kidneys, so kidney function must be monitored during treatment.
- Can harm hearing and balance, which is sometimes lasting.
- Needs hospital treatment by drip with regular blood tests to check the level.
Practical use
Good to know
The dominant safety issues with plazomicin, as with all aminoglycosides, are its effects on the kidneys and on the inner ear. It can reduce kidney function, which is usually reversible if caught early, and it can damage hearing and balance, which can sometimes be lasting, so any new ringing in the ears, hearing change, dizziness or unsteadiness must be reported straight away. To manage this, blood levels of the medicine are measured and kidney function is checked regularly so the dose can be kept in a safe range. It is used with particular care in people with kidney problems, in older people, and in those with muscle or nerve conditions such as myasthenia gravis, because it can worsen muscle weakness. It is generally avoided in pregnancy unless essential.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to plazomicin or other aminoglycosides should not be given it.
- It is used with great caution, or avoided, in people with significant kidney problems or existing hearing problems.
- It is used with care in people with muscle or nerve conditions such as myasthenia gravis, and is generally avoided in pregnancy unless essential.
Monitoring
- Measuring the level of the medicine in the blood to keep the dose in a safe range.
- Regular checks of kidney function during treatment.
- Watching for any change in hearing, ringing in the ears, dizziness or unsteadiness.
Side effects
- Reduced kidney function, which is monitored with blood tests and is often reversible if caught early.
- Damage to hearing or balance, such as ringing in the ears, hearing loss or dizziness, which can be lasting.
- Less commonly, worsening of muscle weakness in people with nerve or muscle conditions, or allergic reactions.
Key interactions
- Other medicines that can harm the kidneys or hearing increase the risk when used together, so this is reviewed carefully.
- Certain water tablets (diuretics) can add to the risk to hearing and the kidneys.
- Medicines and conditions that affect muscle and nerve function need extra care with aminoglycosides.
Available as: A solution given as a drip into a vein.
Answers
Plazomicin: frequently asked questions
What is plazomicin used for?
It is used in hospital to treat serious urinary infections, including kidney infections, caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria that other antibiotics cannot reliably clear.
Why are blood tests needed while I am on it?
Aminoglycosides like plazomicin can affect the kidneys and inner ear, so the level in the blood and kidney function are checked to keep the dose effective but as safe as possible.
Can it affect my hearing?
Yes, it can affect hearing and balance, which is sometimes lasting, so any new ringing in the ears, hearing change, dizziness or unsteadiness should be reported straight away.
How is it given?
It is given as a drip into a vein by a healthcare professional in hospital, not as a tablet.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
Aminoglycosides are generally avoided in pregnancy unless truly essential, because of possible risks, so this is weighed carefully by the specialist team.
The wider class
About Aminoglycoside antibiotic
Plazomicin belongs to the aminoglycoside antibiotic class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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