What is Monurol?

Monurol Dosage, forms & strengths

Medically reviewed by Jamie Winn, PharmD

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Monurol (fosfomycin) is an antimicrobial agent that is manufactured by Allergan, Inc. It is FDA-approved to treat uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (acute cystitis) in women due to strains of bacteria such as E. coli. Monurol is not approved to treat certain abscesses or a kidney infection called pyelonephritis.

What is the mechanism of action of Monurol?

Monurol is an antibacterial agent that works by blocking an enzyme called pyruvyl transferase that is needed for cell wall synthesis. Without their protective covering, your body can kill these pathogens.

Monurol dosage forms and strengths

Single-dose sachet containing 3 grams of fosfomycin granules.

Monurol dosage

The recommended dose of fosfomycin in adult women with uncomplicated UTIs is 1 sachet (packet) of Monurol with or without food. Each sachet contains 3 grams of fosfomycin granules.

Monurol is only indicated to treat adult women. The safety and effectiveness of Monurol in pediatric patients under 12 years of age have not been established.

Monurol dosage restrictions

There are no guidelines for dose adjustments in patients with liver impairment. Based on its elimination, no adjustments should be needed.
There are no guidelines for dose adjustments in patients with kidney impairment. The half-life of Monurol increases and urinary excretion decreases as kidney impairment gets worse so an adjustment may be needed.

How to take Monurol

Read the Full Prescribing Information, Drug Information, and Medication Guide that comes with Monurol.
Take this medication exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes it.
Monurol is usually given as a single dose and can be taken with or without food.
Empty the Monurol packet contents into 3 or 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water. Do not use hot water. Stir to completely dissolve the Monurol powder and then drink all of it right away.

Monurol dosage FAQs

What are some side effects of Monurol?

Some common adverse reactions to Monurol seen in clinical trials include:

Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Itchy vagina
Headache
Dizziness
Extreme tiredness
Upset stomach
Runny nose
Sore throat
Back pain

Monurol can sometimes cause more serious side effects, including:

Severe hypersensitivity reactions (hives, swelling of the face or throat, and trouble breathing)
Liver impairment
C. difficile-associated diarrhea which can lead to fatal colitis

Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any adverse events you experience while taking Monurol. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What are some drug interactions with Monurol?

The use of Monurol with other medications can affect the blood concentrations of each medication or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. You should ask your doctor if any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may interact with Monurol, including:

Metoclopramide (lowers serum and urinary concentrations of Monurol)

Are there any contraindications or precautions with Monurol?

You should not take Monurol if you have an allergy to fosfomycin or any of its inactive ingredients including sucrose. You should make sure your healthcare provider is aware of your medical conditions such as hepatitis, severe kidney or liver insufficiency, and diabetes, or if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding

How should I store Monurol?

Monurol should be stored in its original package at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) until you are ready to mix and take your dose.

Is it safe to use Monurol while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is limited data on the use of Monurol in pregnant women and should only be used if it is absolutely necessary. Studies have shown that low levels of fosfomycin are excreted in human breast milk. Monurol is generally not recommended during lactation. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

How long does it take for Monurol to cure UTI?

It typically takes 2 to 3 days for a single dose of Monurol to cure your uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

What bacteria is Monurol effective against?

Monurol is effective against a broad spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative microbiological organisms such as:

Enterococcus faecalis
Escherichia coli
Citrobacter diversus
Enterobacter aerogenes
Klebsiella oxytoca
Klebsiella pneuomoniae
Proteus mirabilis
Staphylococcus aureus

Can you take 2 doses of Monurol?

You should not use more than a single dose of Monurol to treat a single case of acute cystitis. Repeated doses of Monurol do not improve the success rate but can increase the incidence of adverse effects.

How often can you take Monurol?

Monurol is typically given as a single dose. It is designed to stay in your bladder for a few days to kill the bacteria. If your symptoms do not improve in 3 days, your doctor will usually prescribe a different antibiotic.

Can Monurol be used in males?

Monurol is only indicated to treat certain bladder infections in women. However, it is used off-label to treat men with prostatitis or as antibiotic prophylaxis for a biopsy of the prostate.

What is the average price of Monurol?

The average cost of 1 sachet (packet) of Monurol 3g is around $115.

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The content on this website is intended for information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information on this website should not be relied upon and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always speak to your doctor regarding the risks and benefits of any treatment.