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Prescription medication · Phosphonic Acid Antibiotic

fosfomycin

Also sold as Monurol. This medicine treats uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.

Data updated 2026-05-15

2
InteractionsFew interactions
$41.92
Generic price (NADAC)

fosfomycin (Monurol) is a prescription Phosphonic Acid Antibiotic. This medicine treats uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.

Fosfomycin is an antibiotic medicine. It is used to treat bladder infections in women.

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Generic Price

$41.92/unit

Generic Available

Yes (6 manufacturers)

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

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What it does

This medicine treats uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.

Common side effects

Diarrhea, Vaginal inflammation (vaginitis), Nausea

Key warnings

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to fosfomycin.

The sections below are summarized in plain English from fosfomycin's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.

How It Works

Fosfomycin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria. It stops bacteria from building cell walls. Without a cell wall, the bacteria cannot survive.

How to Take It

Take one packet of fosfomycin granules by mouth. Empty the entire packet into 3 to 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water. Stir well until the powder dissolves completely. Drink the mixture right away. You can take it with or without food.

This is a plain-language summary of fosfomycin's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. It is not known if fosfomycin will harm your unborn baby or pass into breast milk.

This is a plain-language summary of fosfomycin's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.

Missed Dose

Fosfomycin is a single-dose treatment. If you miss taking it, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

This is a plain-language summary of fosfomycin's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F.

Serious Warnings

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to fosfomycin.

Known Drug Interactions

Cimetidine: Cimetidine does not affect the pharmacokinetics of fosfomycin when coadministered with fosfomycin tromethamine.

Mechanism: Cimetidine does not change the way the body absorbs or gets rid of fosfomycin.

What to do: These drugs can be taken together without any changes to your dose.

DRUG INTERACTIONS Metoclopramide: When coadministered with fosfomycin tromethamine, metoclopramide, a drug which increases gastrointestinal motility, lowers the serum concentration and urinary excretion of fosfomycin.

Mechanism: Metoclopramide speeds up how fast your stomach and intestines move, which gives your body less time to absorb the fosfomycin. This results in lower levels of the antibiotic in your blood and urine.

What to do: Your doctor may need to monitor you closely to ensure the antibiotic is still effective at treating your infection.

This is a plain-language summary of interactions documented in FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before combining medications.

Common Questions

Can I take this medicine if I have a kidney infection?
No, fosfomycin is not for kidney infections.
Can men take this medication?
The drug label only specifies use for women.
What should I do if my symptoms don't improve?
If your symptoms do not improve after taking fosfomycin, contact your doctor.
Can I mix the granules with something other than water?
No, you should only mix the granules with water.
Can I take this medicine if I am allergic to penicillin?
Fosfomycin is not a penicillin. However, you should not take this medicine if you are allergic to fosfomycin itself.
Will this medicine interact with other medications I am taking?
Metoclopramide, a drug for stomach problems, may affect how well fosfomycin works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
Can I take this medication while pregnant?
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
How quickly does this medicine work?
The drug label does not specify how quickly this medicine works.
Can I take this medication if I have a fever?
The drug label does not list fever as a contraindication. Talk to your doctor if you have a fever.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking fosfomycin?
The drug label does not mention alcohol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the common side effects of fosfomycin?
The most commonly reported side effects of fosfomycin include Diarrhea, Vaginal inflammation (vaginitis), Nausea, Headache, Dizziness. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.
Does fosfomycin interact with other medications?
Yes, fosfomycin has 2 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include cimetidine, metoclopramide. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
What drug class is fosfomycin?
fosfomycin belongs to the Phosphonic Acid Antibiotic drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). This medicine treats uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.
Is fosfomycin safe during pregnancy?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. It is not known if fosfomycin will harm your unborn baby or pass into breast milk. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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What the FDA Data Shows for fosfomycin

The FDA label for fosfomycin (sold under brand names such as Monurol) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Phosphonic Acid Antibiotic class. This medicine treats uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. Official labeling lists 5 commonly reported side effects, including Diarrhea, Vaginal inflammation (vaginitis), Nausea.

Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. Voluntary reports accumulate over the lifetime of a drug and reflect wide-ranging clinical use. The database also lists 2 documented drug interactions derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated minor severity. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $41.92.

Report counts do not establish causation, a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

Data Sources

Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).

FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.

Last updated: September 25, 2025

Data currency: FDA FAERS adverse-event reports through 2025, CMS NADAC acquisition-cost pricing effective December 2024, compiled and last refreshed May 2026. See our methodology for per-source dates and refresh cadence. Spot a figure that looks wrong? Report a correction.

All federal data sources used on this page