How does Xerava (eravacycline) work?

Xerava (eravacycline) is a [tetracycline antibiotic](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/tetracycline-antibiotics). It works by preventing some types of bacteria from making certain proteins, which stops them from being able to spread throughout your body.

How is Xerava (eravacycline) given?

Xerava (eravacycline) is given as an injection through the veins (intravenously or IV) by a healthcare provider in the hospital. Your provider will make sure you get the medication at the right dose and time. In general, you'll receive an infusion of Xerava (eravacycline) at a [dose based on your body weight every 12 hours](https://www.xerava.com/dosing). Your dose [might differ](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=a4b188d4-f467-470c-ad7b-25ffbdd8862a&type=display#section-2) if you have liver problems or are taking medications that interact with Xerava (eravacycline). Each infusion takes about 1 hour. The length of treatment will depend on the location and severity of your infection, as well as how well the medication works for you. This will be determined by your provider and is typically 4 to 14 days.

What are the risks and warnings of receiving Xerava (eravacycline)?

Similar to other [tetracycline antibiotics](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/tetracycline-antibiotics), Xerava (eravacycline) can cause [tooth discoloration](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=a4b188d4-f467-470c-ad7b-25ffbdd8862a&type=display#section-5.2) and [prevention of bone growth](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=a4b188d4-f467-470c-ad7b-25ffbdd8862a&type=display#section-5.3). This is why Xerava (eravacycline) can't be used in late pregnancy and in children younger than 8 years old. There's also a risk of developing [*Clostridioides difficile*-associated diarrhea (CDAD)](https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cdiff/cdiff_infect.html). This infection happens when antibiotics like Xerava (eravacycline) kill the normal, "good" bacteria in your gut and allow new bacteria to grow and cause problems. Let your provider know if you experience stomach cramps or severe diarrhea during or after your treatment with Xerava (eravacycline).

Xerava

Q: What is Xerava (eravacycline) used for?

Xerava (eravacycline) is used to treat severe stomach infections caused by [certain bacteria](https://www.xerava.com/broad-coverage) in hospitalized adults. It's considered for use in people who have or might have an infection with [resistant bacteria](https://www.xerava.com/efficacy) (bacteria that are hard to get rid of).

Q: What are the common side effects of Xerava (eravacycline)?

The [most common side effects](https://www.xerava.com/safety) include reactions at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Less common side effects include low blood pressure, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and rash.

eravacycline

Used for Bacterial Infection

Xerava (eravacycline) is a newer injectable antibiotic used to treat severe stomach infections in hospitalized adults. It's typically considered for use in people who are infected with resistant bacteria.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 24, 2022

What is Xerava (eravacycline)?

What is Xerava (eravacycline) used for?

Severe stomach infections caused by bacteria

Are you looking for information on tetracycline, doxycycline, or tigecycline (Tygacil) instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Xerava
Drug Class	Tetracycline antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Xerava

Drug Class

Tetracycline antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Xerava

Xerava is used to treat severe stomach infections caused by certain bacteria in hospitalized adults. It's considered for use in people who have or might have an infection with resistant bacteria (bacteria that are hard to get rid of).

Xerava is a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by preventing some types of bacteria from making certain proteins, which stops them from being able to spread throughout your body.

Xerava is given as an injection through the veins (intravenously or IV) by a healthcare provider in the hospital. Your provider will make sure you get the medication at the right dose and time. In general, you'll receive an infusion of Xerava at a dose based on your body weight every 12 hours. Your dose might differ if you have liver problems or are taking medications that interact with Xerava. Each infusion takes about 1 hour. The length of treatment will depend on the location and severity of your infection, as well as how well the medication works for you. This will be determined by your provider and is typically 4 to 14 days.

The most common side effects include reactions at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Less common side effects include low blood pressure, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and rash.

Similar to other tetracycline antibiotics, Xerava can cause tooth discoloration and prevention of bone growth. This is why Xerava can't be used in late pregnancy and in children younger than 8 years old. There's also a risk of developing Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). This infection happens when antibiotics like Xerava kill the normal, "good" bacteria in your gut and allow new bacteria to grow and cause problems. Let your provider know if you experience stomach cramps or severe diarrhea during or after your treatment with Xerava.