Daptomycin Is a Powerful IV Antibiotic Used to Treat Serious Bacterial Infections Including MRSA

Daptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic given intravenously to treat serious gram-positive bacterial infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia, complicated skin infections, and right-sided endocarditis.

If your doctor has recommended Daptomycin — or you've seen it mentioned in your treatment plan — this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, how it's used, typical dosing, who should avoid it, and how much it costs in 2026.

What Is Daptomycin?

Here are the basics:

• Generic name: Daptomycin
• Brand names: Cubicin, Cubicin RF
• Drug class: Cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic
• Manufacturer: Merck & Co. (brand); multiple generic manufacturers
• FDA approval: Originally approved in 2003 for complicated skin infections; later approved for S. aureus bacteremia and right-sided endocarditis
• Controlled substance: No — Daptomycin is not a controlled substance
• Generic available: Yes

Daptomycin works by binding to bacterial cell membranes and causing them to depolarize, which kills the bacteria. It's one of the go-to options when other antibiotics like Vancomycin aren't working or aren't tolerated. For a more detailed explanation, see our guide on how Daptomycin works.

What Is Daptomycin Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) — Including wound infections, abscesses, and cellulitis caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria, in adults and pediatric patients
• Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia — Bloodstream infections caused by S. aureus, including MRSA, in adults and children
• Right-sided infective endocarditis — A heart valve infection caused by S. aureus in adult patients

Common Off-Label Uses

Doctors also prescribe Daptomycin for infections not on the official FDA label, including:

• Diabetic foot infections
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection) caused by MRSA
• Prosthetic joint infections
• Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections
• Catheter-related bloodstream infections
• Healthcare-associated meningitis caused by Staphylococcus species

Important: Daptomycin should never be used to treat pneumonia. It is inactivated by pulmonary surfactant in the lungs and will not work for lung infections.

How Is Daptomycin Taken?

Daptomycin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion or injection only. It cannot be taken by mouth or given as an intramuscular shot.

• IV infusion: Administered over 30 minutes
• IV push: Administered over 2 minutes (adults only)
• Frequency: Once daily

Typical Dosing

• Complicated skin infections: 4 mg/kg IV once daily
• Bacteremia / endocarditis: 6 mg/kg IV once daily
• Off-label higher doses: 8-12 mg/kg may be used in certain situations

Your exact dose depends on your body weight. Treatment typically lasts 7-14 days for skin infections and 2-6 weeks for bacteremia or endocarditis.

Available Formulations

• 350 mg lyophilized powder for injection (single-dose vial)
• 500 mg lyophilized powder for injection (single-dose vial)
• Premixed IV solutions: 350 mg/50 mL, 500 mg/50 mL, and 700 mg/100 mL

Daptomycin can be administered in a hospital, outpatient infusion center, or at home through a home infusion service.

Who Should Not Take Daptomycin?

Daptomycin is not appropriate for everyone. You should not receive Daptomycin if:

• You have a known allergy to Daptomycin or any ingredient in the formulation
• You have pneumonia — Daptomycin does not work in the lungs

Use with caution in:

• Patients with kidney problems — If creatinine clearance is below 30 mL/min, dosing changes to every 48 hours
• Children under 12 months — Not recommended due to risks to muscles and the nervous system
• Elderly patients — Higher risk of kidney-related side effects
• Patients on statins — Statins should be temporarily stopped during Daptomycin therapy due to increased risk of muscle damage

For a full list of side effects, read our guide on Daptomycin side effects.

How Much Does Daptomycin Cost?

Daptomycin pricing varies significantly depending on whether you're getting the generic or brand-name version:

• Generic Daptomycin 500 mg vial: Approximately $29-$50 per vial
• Brand Cubicin RF: Significantly more expensive — premixed solutions can range from $673-$1,200+ per course
• Typical 14-day generic course: $400-$700 total

Most insurance plans cover Daptomycin as a specialty medication, but prior authorization is usually required. Medicare Part B covers Daptomycin when administered in outpatient settings.

If cost is a concern:

• The Merck Patient Assistance Program (merckhelps.com) provides medications at no cost to qualifying patients
• Prescription Hope offers Cubicin for approximately $70/month
• Check our full guide on saving money on Daptomycin

Final Thoughts

Daptomycin is a critical antibiotic for treating serious, life-threatening gram-positive infections — especially when MRSA is involved. It's not a medication you'll take at home with a glass of water; it requires IV administration, lab monitoring, and specialist oversight. But when it's needed, it can be life-saving.

If you've been prescribed Daptomycin and need help finding it, Medfinder can show you which pharmacies have it in stock near you.