Pharmacist Medication Insights: Lefamulin (Xenleta) for Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

In 2019, the FDA approved lefamulin (Xenleta, Nabriva Therapeutics) for the treatment of adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) caused by susceptible microorganisms.

Lefamulin demonstrates in vitro activity against the most common atypical, gram-negative, and gram-positive pathogens associated with CABP. To maintain its efficacy and reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria, treatment should be used only in patients with infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. It is available in both intravenous and oral formulations.