General

Pronunciation:
er-a-va-sye-kleen

Trade Name(s)

• Xerava

Ther. Class.

anti-infectives

Pharm. Class.

tetracyclines

Indications

Complicated intra-abdominal infections.

Action

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S bacterial ribosome.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

Bacteriostatic against gram-positive bacteria. Bactericidal against certain strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Spectrum:

• Active against some gram-positive pathogens:

  • Enterococcus faecalis,
  • Enterococcus faecium,
  • Staphylococcus aureus,
  • Streptococcus anginosus.

• Active against some gram-negative pathogens:

  • Citrobacter freundii,
  • Enterobacter cloacae,
  • Escherichia coli,
  • Klebsiella oxytoca,
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae.

• Active against some anaerobic pathogens:

  • Bacteroides spp.,
  • Clostridium perfringens,
  • Parabacteroides distasonis.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Extensively distributed to tissues.

Protein Binding: 79–90% (↑ as plasma concentrations ↑).

Metabolism and Excretion: Primarily metabolized by the liver by CYP3A enzymes. 47% excreted in feces (17% as unchanged drug); 34% in urine (20% as unchanged drug).

Half-life: 20 hr.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE (plasma concentrations)

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity to eravacycline or other tetracycline antibiotics;
• OB:  Pregnancy (may lead to permanent staining of teeth and inhibition of bone growth in fetus if used during 2nd or 3rd trimester);
• Lactation:  Lactation;
• Pedi:   Children <8 yr (may lead to permanent staining of teeth and ↓ growth).

Use Cautiously in:

• Severe hepatic impairment;
• Pedi:   Safety and effectiveness not established in children.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

CV: hypotension

Derm: photosensitivity

GI: CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE-ASSOCIATED DIARRHEA (CDAD), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

GU: ↓ fertility (men)

Local: infusion site reaction

Neuro: intracranial hypertension

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (including anaphylaxis)

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Drug-Drug

•  Strong CYP3A inducers  may ↓ levels; ↑ eravacycline dose.
• May ↑ effect of  warfarin.

Route/Dosage

IV (Adults): 1 mg/kg every 12 hr for 4–14 days.  Concurrent use of strong CYP3A inducer: 1.5 mg/kg every 12 hr for 4–14 days.

Hepatic Impairment 
IV (Adults): Severe hepatic impairment: 1 mg/kg every 12 hr on Day 1; then 1 mg/kg every 24 hr starting on Day 2 (total duration of therapy = 4–14 days).

Availability

Lyophilized powder for injection: 50 mg/vial, 100 mg/vial

Assessment

• Assess for infection (vital signs, WBC) at beginning of and during therapy.
• Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity before initiating therapy. 1st dose may be given before receiving results.
• Monitor bowel function. Diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and bloody stools should be reported to health care professional promptly as a sign of CDAD. May begin up to several wk following cessation of therapy.
• Assess for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions (rash; hives; pruritus; dyspnea; swelling of face, throat, and lips) during therapy.
• Assess IV site frequently; may cause thrombophlebitis.

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

• Explain purpose and side effects of eravacycline to patient. Emphasize the importance of completing full course of therapy, even if feeling better, and not skipping doses. Advise patient to read  Medication Guide  before starting and periodically during therapy in case of changes.
• Instruct patient to notify health care professional immediately if rash, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, or bloody stools occur and not to treat with antidiarrheals without consulting health care professionals. Diarrhea may occur as late as 2 mo after therapy.
• Caution patient to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions.
• Advise patient to report the signs of superinfection (black, furry overgrowth on the tongue; vaginal itching or discharge; loose or foul-smelling stools).
• Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
• Rep:  May cause tooth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth if administered during 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Advise women of reproductive potential to use a nonhormonal method of contraception while taking tetracyclines and until next menstrual period and to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected. Advise patient to avoid breastfeeding during and for 4 days after last dose of eravacycline. May cause infertility in male patients.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Resolution of the signs and symptoms of infection. Length of time for complete resolution depends on the organism and site of infection.