What is Doripenem?
Doripenem is a prescription antibiotic that treats severe bacterial infections related to the kidneys, urinary tract, and stomach. It belongs to the class of medicines known as carbapenems, which work by interfering with the bacteria's ability to form a cell wall.
Uses
Doripenem injection is used to treat severe bacterial infections of the urinary tract, kidneys, and abdomen. The FDA has not approved doripenem injection for treating pneumonia in people who were on a ventilator in a hospital. Antibiotics like doripenem don’t work for viral infections such as colds and flu. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections.
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Common and Major Side Effects:
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Redness or pain at the injection site
- Hives
- Itching
- Rash
- Blisters on the skin
- Sloughing of the skin
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Excessive tiredness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
If you experience persistent or worsening side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Precautions
- Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Doripenem or any related medications. The product may contain inactive ingredients causing allergic reactions or other issues.
- Medical History: Before using Doripenem, discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have kidney disease, seizures, or stroke.
- Vaccinations: Doripenem may interfere with live bacterial vaccines. Avoid immunizations or vaccinations unless advised by your doctor.
- Older Adults: Kidney function may decline with age, increasing the risk of adverse effects from Doripenem.
How to Use Doripenem
Doripenem is administered intravenously (into a vein) as a liquid, usually every eight hours. The treatment duration depends on the type of infection. Once your condition improves, your doctor may switch you to an oral antibiotic. If using the injection at home, take it at the same time each day.
Dosage
For treating intra-abdominal infections, pyelonephritis, and urinary tract infections:
- Dosage: 500 mg IV infusion every 8 hours
- Duration: 5 to 14 days
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose
Symptoms of an overdose may include stomach ache, nausea, and vomiting. If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Doripenem is classified as a pregnancy category C drug. Consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding: The excretion of doripenem into breast milk is likely to be similar to that of imipenem and meropenem, which are present in low levels and unlikely to affect breastfed babies. Consult your doctor before taking any medication while breastfeeding.
Storage
Keep the medication in a safe place, away from heat, air, and light, and out of children's reach. Store at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Doripenem vs Imipenem
| Doripenem | Imipenem |
|---|---|
| Prescription antibiotic for severe bacterial infections related to kidneys, urinary tract, and stomach. | Semisynthetic thienamycin with antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including multiresistant strains. |
| Used for treating severe bacterial infections of the urinary tract, kidneys, and abdomen. | Used for treating endocarditis and respiratory tract infections (including pneumonia), urinary tract infections, and abdominal disorders. |
| Common Side Effects: Vomiting, headache, nausea, diarrhea. | Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, redness. |
