title: Daptomycin: pharmacology and clinical use.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Infections caused by Gram-positive organisms have increased in frequency and severity. Daptomycin offers a therapeutic option in an era of increasing resistance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature from 1986 to present was reviewed for pharmacological, preclinical and clinical studies on daptomycin.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pharmacological properties, resistance mechanisms and clinical applications of daptomycin are discussed. Recommendations are offered on the use of this agent for the treatment of resistant Gram-positive infections.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Daptomycin is a reliable agent for the treatment of Gram-positive infections. It has been shown to be effective in bacteremia and endocarditis, as well as in soft-tissue infections caused by Gram-positive organisms. Its role in the treatment of bone and joint infections is not well-defined. Resistance is currently uncommon in clinical isolates. However, emergence of resistance during therapy is a concern. This may be prevented by use of higher doses.
authors.affiliation: Wayne State University, Department of Medicine, University Health Center, Suite 5C, 4201 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. dlevine@med.wayne.edu
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kosmidis
authors.forename: Donald P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Levine
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017576:Daptomycin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020713:Vancomycin Resistance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017576:Daptomycin