Daptomycin and lipopeptides

Daptomycin and lipopeptides

Daptomycin and lipopeptides

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Mechanism of Action - The Membrane Poker

  • A lipopeptide antibiotic that targets the bacterial cell membrane, not the cell wall.

  • Its action is $Ca^{2+}$-dependent. Daptomycin binds to calcium, which activates it.

  • The activated complex inserts its lipid tail into the Gram-positive cell membrane.

  • This oligomerization forms a transmembrane channel, causing a rapid efflux of intracellular K⁺.

  • The resulting membrane depolarization disrupts cellular processes, leading to cell death.

Clinical Pearl: Daptomycin is inactivated by pulmonary surfactant, rendering it ineffective for treating pneumonia. It is a bactericidal agent used for resistant Gram-positives like MRSA and VRE.

Daptomycin mechanism of action on bacterial cell membrane

Spectrum & Clinical Uses - The Gram‑Positive Hammer

  • Gram-Positive Specialist: Potent, concentration-dependent bactericidal activity exclusively against Gram-positive bacteria.
    • Key Targets:
      • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
      • Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), including E. faecium & E. faecalis.
      • Other streptococci and staphylococci.
  • Primary Clinical Applications:
    • Complicated skin and soft-tissue infections (cSSTIs).
    • S. aureus bacteremia.
    • Right-sided infective endocarditis due to S. aureus.

Daptomycin is inactivated by pulmonary surfactant. Therefore, it is clinically ineffective for treating pneumonia and should never be used for this indication.

  • Off-label uses: Often part of combination therapy for prosthetic joint infections and other complex, resistant Gram-positive infections.

Adverse Effects & Monitoring - The Muscle Menace

  • Myopathy & Rhabdomyolysis: The primary, dose-dependent toxicity.
    • Presents with muscle pain (myalgia), tenderness, or weakness.
    • Risk is increased with renal impairment and concurrent statin use.
  • Monitoring:
    • Check Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) at baseline, then weekly.
    • ⚠️ Discontinue daptomycin if:
      • Symptoms develop and CPK > 1,000 U/L (or 5x ULN).
      • Asymptomatic but CPK > 2,000 U/L (or 10x ULN).
  • Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A rare but serious adverse effect.
    • Typically occurs 2-4 weeks after therapy initiation.
    • Presents with fever, dyspnea, and diffuse pulmonary infiltrates.

Statin Interaction: The risk of myopathy is significantly amplified when daptomycin is co-administered with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It is strongly recommended to withhold statin therapy during the daptomycin course.

📌 Mnemonic: DAPTODamages And Pains To Our Muscles.

Creatine Kinase (CK) explained by medical professionals

High-Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Daptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide that disrupts the bacterial cell membrane, causing rapid depolarization and cell death.
  • It has a narrow spectrum, targeting Gram-positive bacteria only, including multi-drug resistant strains like MRSA and VRE.
  • Crucially, it is inactivated by pulmonary surfactant, making it ineffective for treating pneumonia.
  • The primary adverse effect is myopathy and rhabdomyolysis; creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels must be monitored.

Practice Questions: Daptomycin and lipopeptides

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 60-year-old man with a history of coronary artery disease and hyperlipidemia presents to his internist for a follow-up visit 3 weeks after visiting an urgent care center for symptoms of cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. He had been prescribed erythromycin in addition to his usual regimen of rosuvastatin and aspirin. With which potential side effect or interaction should the internist be most concerned?

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Flashcards: Daptomycin and lipopeptides

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Daptomycin inserts its lipid tail into the cell wall, causing membrane _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Daptomycin inserts its lipid tail into the cell wall, causing membrane _____

depolarization

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