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Spheromycin: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Spheromycin - General Information

An antibiotic compound derived from Streptomyces niveus. It has a chemical structure similar to coumarin. Spheromycin binds to DNA gyrase, and blocks adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity. (From Reynolds, Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p189) [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Spheromycin

Spheromycin is an aminocoumarin antibiotic that was produced by the actinomycete Streptomyces niveus. Spheromycin binds to DNA gyrase, and blocks adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity. Other antibiotics in the aminocoumarin class include coumermycin A1 and clorobiocin.

 

Additional information about Spheromycin

Spheromycin Indication: For the treatment of infections due to staphylococci and other susceptible organisms Mechanism Of Action: Spheromycin is an aminocoumarin. Aminocoumarins are very potent inhibitors of bacterial DNA gyrase and work by targeting the GyrB subunit of the enzyme involved in energy tranduction. Spheromycin as well as the other aminocoumarin antibiotics act as competitive inhibitors of the ATPase reaction catalysed by GyrB. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Novobiocin Synonyms: Novobiocina [Inn-Spanish]; Novobiocine [Inn-French]; Novobiocinum [Inn-Latin]; NOV; Crystallinic Acid; Antibiotic Pa-93 Drug Category: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Enzyme Inhibitors; Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Novobiocin: Albamix; Cardelmycin; Cathocin; Cathomycin; Inamycin; Novo-R; Robiocina; Sirbiocina; Spheromycin; Stilbiocina; Streptonivicin; Albamycin; Absorption: Oral bioavailability is negligible. Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available Protein Binding: 95% Biotransformation: Not Available Half Life: 6 hours Dosage Forms of Spheromycin: Injection, powder, for solution Intravenous Chemical IUPAC Name: [(3R,4S,5R,6R)-5-hydroxy-6-[2-hydroxy-3-[[4-hydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)benzoyl]amino]-8-methyl-4-oxochromen-7-yl]oxy-3-methoxy-2,2-dimethyloxan-4-yl] carbamate Chemical Formula: C31H36N2O11 Novobiocin on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novobiocin Organisms Affected: Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria