Novobiocin is an antibiotic originating in Streptomyces bacteria. When researchers first identified this compound, they also developed techniques for producing it synthetically in a lab setting. This is common with antibiotics of bacterial origin because it allows pharmaceutical companies to control the means of production carefully for safety and reliability reasons. This antibiotic is approved for both human and animal use, and availability varies, depending on the region.
The antibiotic works by attacking the systems used for cellular energy in bacteria. Without adequate energy transport, bacteria stop reproducing and die off. Novobiocin is effective against a range of gram positive bacteria, including organisms with antibiotic resistance. In many regions, drug companies have withdrawn the versions of this medication used to treat humans, although veterinary preparations are still available.
A doctor can prescribe novobiocin for a patient with an infection potentially susceptible to this antibiotic, such as a hospital-acquired infection resistant to other drugs. The dosage depends on the weight of the patient. Like other antibiotics, novobiocin can cause gastrointestinal upset, and patients may feel nauseous or develop diarrhea while on the drug. They should recover quickly after the course of medication is over and the body has had a chance to completely metabolize the antibiotics.
The drug can potentially interact poorly with other medications. Patients with liver or kidney disease may not be good candidates for novobiocin therapy, as their bodies are less able to metabolize the antibiotic. Before a doctor prescribes a medication, patients should go over their medical records and discuss any medications they are taking. This includes over-the-counter medications and herbal preparations, as these sometimes interact poorly with prescription drugs. If the side effects become intolerable, alternative medications may be available, or patients can be given drugs to manage the side effects, like antinausea medication.
In veterinary settings, novobiocin can be used on large and small animals, and may be part of combination therapy for infection or preventative treatment when a herd appears to be developing an infection. For livestock, farmers usually mix the antibiotic with feed and distribute it to the herd. Oral suspensions and tablets are available for dosing on a smaller scale. Drug companies may use different formulations and fillers for human and animal use, and for this reason, it is not advisable to use veterinary drugs for humans and vice versa, unless a care provider specifically says this is safe and recommends it.