Antimicrobial
Lipopeptides (daptomycin)
Calcium-dependent membrane depolarizer
LY-poh-pep-tides
High-yield clue
Daptomycin causes calcium-dependent membrane depolarization but is inactivated by pulmonary surfactant, so it is not used for pneumonia.
Overview
A cyclic lipopeptide class represented by daptomycin, studied for inserting into the Gram-positive cytoplasmic membrane in a calcium-dependent way and causing depolarization.
Classification
- Cell-membrane-active agent
- Calcium-dependent insertion
- Rapidly bactericidal
- Gram-positive spectrum only
Lab & identification clues
- Membrane depolarization / potassium efflux concept
- Surfactant inactivation (not for lung infection) vocabulary
- Creatine kinase / myopathy monitoring concept
Associations
- MRSA and VRE coverage vocabulary
- Bloodstream and skin study associations
- Requires calcium and phosphatidylglycerol for activity
Commonly confused with
- Polymyxins (colistin)
- Vancomycin
Frequently asked questions
What is Lipopeptides (daptomycin)?
A cyclic lipopeptide class represented by daptomycin, studied for inserting into the Gram-positive cytoplasmic membrane in a calcium-dependent way and causing depolarization.
What is the high-yield clue for Lipopeptides (daptomycin)?
Daptomycin causes calcium-dependent membrane depolarization but is inactivated by pulmonary surfactant, so it is not used for pneumonia.
What is Lipopeptides (daptomycin) associated with?
Lipopeptides (daptomycin) is associated with MRSA and VRE coverage vocabulary, Bloodstream and skin study associations, and Requires calcium and phosphatidylglycerol for activity.
What is Lipopeptides (daptomycin) commonly confused with?
Lipopeptides (daptomycin) is commonly confused with Polymyxins (colistin) and Vancomycin.
Original mechanism summary for microbiology study. Sources checked: CDC antimicrobial-resistance guidance, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and standard coursework frameworks; reviewed 2026-06. Covers class, mechanism, and resistance vocabulary only; no prescribing, dosing, or patient-specific treatment guidance.