Plazomicin
Plazomicin (ZEMDRI) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, in adults who have limited or no alternative treatment options. It works by binding to bacterial ribosomes and inhibiting protein synthesis, leading to bacterial cell death. This medication is administered intravenously and is specifically indicated when other antibiotics may not be effective due to resistance.
Plazomicin is an IV aminoglycoside antibiotic used for complicated urinary tract infections caused by resistant bacteria.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01GB14
- RxNorm
- 2049549
- Generic
- Plazomicin
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Zemdri
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 15 mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 15 mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 15 mg/kg once daily (adjusted for renal function)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks to fetus
fetal monitoring, assess amniotic fluid
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
monitor infant for signs of ototoxicity or nephrotoxicity
observe nursing infants for hearing changes or decreased urine output
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyadjust based on renal function
reduce dose based on creatinine clearance; monitor renal function
baseline and periodic renal function monitoring, audiology testing
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended
not approved for pediatric patients due to lack of safety and efficacy data
N/A
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate to severesignificant dose reduction required
adjust dose based on creatinine clearance; avoid or use extreme caution in severe impairment
frequent renal function monitoring, drug serum levels
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
use with caution; limited hepatic metabolism
monitor hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Plazomicin (Zemdri)
Drug class
Plazomicin belongs to the aminoglycoside class of antibiotics
Primary indication
Primary FDA-approved indication for Plazomicin
Mechanism of action
Plazomicin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit
Treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, in adults with limited treatment options due to multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections.
Plazomicin is an aminoglycoside that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, disrupting protein synthesis and causing bacterial cell death.
Requires monitoring for nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and ototoxicity (hearing/vestibular damage). Not recommended for patients with pre-existing kidney impairment. Administered via intravenous infusion, typically once daily.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy