Doripenem
Introduction To Doripenem
Doripenem is an antibiotic medicine that is used to treat severe infections of the skin, lungs, stomach, urinary tract, blood, and brain (e.g., meningitis). It works by killing the bacteria that cause these infections.
Doripenem is commonly used to treat seriously ill patients admitted to the hospital. This medicine is given by drip or by direct injection into a vein, under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The dose will depend on what type of infection you have, where it is in the body, and how serious it is. You should keep on taking the injection for as long as you have been prescribed, even if your symptoms quickly improve. If you stop taking it too early the infection may return or worsen.
Some people may develop side effects like headache, nausea, diarrhea, and rash. These side effects are usually temporary and go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if these side effects bother you or persist.
Before starting treatment with this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, liver, or kidney problems or if you are allergic to any antibiotic. While using it, you may be advised blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts and kidney function. This medicine is generally regarded as safe to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding if prescribed by your doctor.
Uses of Doripenem
- Severe bacterial infections
Benefits of Doripenem
Severe bacterial infections
Doripenem works by killing bacteria which can cause serious infections. It is
a versatile medicine used to treat many different types of bacterial
infections such as infections of the brain (meningitis), lungs (pneumonia),
abdomen, urinary tract, skin, blood, and heart. This medicine is usually given
as an injection by a doctor or nurse.
Doripenem usually makes you feel better very quickly but you should continue taking it as prescribed even when you feel better to make sure that all bacteria are killed and do not become resistant.
Side effects of Doripenem
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Dorap
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Inflammation of vein
How to use Doripenem
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Doripenem works
Doripenem is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
Quick tips
- Doripenem is an antibiotic that's usually only given in the hospital for serious infections.
- It is given by a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) over 20 to 60 minutes. In severe cases, it may be given slowly for 3 to 4 hours by intravenous infusion.
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or if you are taking any seizure medication before starting treatment with this medication.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Inform your doctor if you develop severe stomach pain or if you find blood in your stools.
- Your doctor may monitor your liver and kidney function while you are having treatment with this medication.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Doripenem if I’m pregnant?
Doripenem is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Doripenem if I’m breastfeeding?
Doripenem is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Doripenem safe?
Consuming alcohol with Doripenem does not cause any harmful side effects.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Doripenem?
It is not known whether Doripenem alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Doripenem if I have/had kidney diseases?
Doripenem should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Doripenem may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Doripenem if I have/had liver diseases?
Doripenem is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Doripenem may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Doripenem used for?
Doripenem is used to fight bacterial infections and prevent bacteria from growing. It acts by interfering with the bacterial protein synthesis which helps to treat the infection. Doripenem is also helpful in the treatment of bacterial infections of the bladder, kidney and other parts of the urinary tract.
Q. Is Doripenem available over-the-counter?
No, Doripenem, just like other antibiotics, requires a valid prescription by a doctor to buy it. Therefore, it is advisable to take Doripenem only if prescribed by a doctor.
Q. How is Doripenem administered?
Doripenem should be administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor only and should not be self-administered. The dose will depend on the condition you are being treated for and will be decided by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Doripenem.
Q. Does Doripenem cure flu?
No, antibiotics such as Doripenem will not work for flu or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed may increase your risk of getting infection later, that resists antibiotic treatment. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts.
Q. What happens if I take too much of Doripenem?
If you have mistakenly taken too much of Doripenem, you may experience symptoms such as stomach ache, nausea and vomiting. You should consult your doctor immediately or rush to the emergency room in any nearby hospital if you have taken an overdose of Doripenem.
Q. Should I avoid some medicines while taking Doripenem?
Yes. There are some medicines that may reduce the effect of Doripenem, interact with Doripenem or cause serious side-effects when given at the same time. These medicines include Sodium Valproate, Ethinyl Estradiol and Live cholera vaccine. So, always inform and check with your doctor before taking Doripenem with other medications.
Q. How to store Doripenem?
Doripenem should be stored at around the room temperature (not more than 25°C) away from heat and sunlight. Do not freeze it and always keep it out of the reach and sight of the children.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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