Doripenem is a medication used to treat bacterial infections of the kidney, stomach and urinary tract, says MedlinePlus. It belongs to a class of antibiotic medications called carbapenems and works to destroy bacteria. Typically, 500 milligrams of doripenem is given as an intravenous (through your vein) infusion over eight hours.
Routine Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, doripenem can typically cause headaches, diarrhea and nausea. It can also cause redness and swelling at the injection site. These side effects are not life threatening, but notify your doctor if these symptoms continue for at least three days.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com warns that doripenem can cause seizures (convulsions), a skin rash and candidiasis (a fungal infection in which you form white patches in your mouth and throat). It can also cause potentially life threatening skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Both these conditions are characterized by a red rash, blistering and peeling of your skin. Doripenem may also cause a decline in kidney function and anemia (low red blood cells). Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, paleness and easy bruising. Other harmful side effects include difficulty breathing, hives, itching, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), weakness and fatigue. Go to your local hospital when you have any of these manifestations.
According to the National Library of Medicine, doripenem can cause Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. This condition can lead to severe dehydration and may even be fatal.
Do not inhale doripenem as this can lead to pneumonitis, a condition of lung tissue inflammation.
Other Concerns
You should avoid doripenem if you are allergic to it. Difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of your throat, face and lips can occur.
The National Library of Medicine recommends that you avoid combining valproic acid and sodium valproate with doripenem. This can lead to increased seizures.
Do not take doripenem with probenecid. The combination can increase levels of doripenem and cause the aforementioned side effects.
It is unknown whether doripenem can pass into breast milk or affect your baby during pregnancy. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
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