MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) refers to a type of bacterial infection that cannot be treated with certain antibiotics, according to MedlinePlus. MRSA can be acquired within a health-care facility or within your community. MRSA symptoms include skin abscesses, a fever, fatigue, chills, muscle aches and shortness of breath. Fortunately, certain drugs are used to manage MRSA manifestations.
Vancomycin
According to Drugs.com, vancomycin is an antibiotic medication used to eliminate bacteria in your body. Vancomycin's side effects include nausea, dizziness and muscle pain. A fever, chills, hearing loss, flu-like symptoms, a skin rash and bloody or watery diarrhea are vancomycin's other serious side effects. Vancomycin's dose must be altered if you suffer from kidney disease, hearing problems or gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (both types of inflammatory bowel disease), says Drugs.com. Vancomycin is an oral suspension (liquid) or tablet that should be consumed as your doctor instructs.
Linezolid
Linezolid is another drug used to manage MRSA. MedlinePlus says that linezolid is an oxazolidinone. It actually stops bacteria from growing. Diarrhea, a headache, constipation, dizziness, fever, rash and stomach problems are some of linezolid's common side effects. Sometimes linezolid can cause pale skin and lethargy. Do not eat tyramine-containing foods, such as bananas, raisins, yogurt, avocados or canned figs, while taking linezolid, advises MedlinePlus. The combination may make linezolid less effective.
Linezolid is a tablet or liquid that is taken every 12 hours for 10 to 28 days or as your doctor prescribes.
Daptomycin
The DailyMed says that daptomycin is another medication used to treat MRSA. Its side effects include constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting and a rash. Daptomycin can also cause shortness of breath, anemia, trouble sleeping and low blood pressure. In some cases, daptomycin can cause a severe form of diarrhea, called Clostridium difficile diarrhea. Typically, your diarrhea will be foul-smelling and you will experience stomach cramping or pain. Daptomycin is given as an intravenous (through your vein) infusion. Your doctor determines your frequency and dosage.
