Doripenem was initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 12, 2007.

Doripenem is a medicine that fights serious infections caused by certain bacteria. It treats infections in the urinary tract, abdomen, lungs, skin, and other body parts. Stopping the bacteria from building their protective walls helps our bodies eliminate the infection.

Doripenem is typically administered intravenously by a healthcare professional and is generally used for severe infections that have not responded to other less potent antibiotics due to its strong effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria.

Doripenem may cause various side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and rash. While these are usually mild and temporary, more serious side effects like severe allergic reactions, seizures, and changes in liver function can occur.

Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Doripenem may lower the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures. This medication can lead to overgrowth of non-susceptible bacteria or fungi. It may cause severe, persistent diarrhea associated with a potentially life-threatening condition called Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Changes in liver function, including elevated liver enzymes and jaundice, have been reported.

Inform your healthcare provider of any history of allergies, especially to antibiotics, and report any signs of allergic reactions immediately. Discuss your history of seizures or conditions that may increase seizure risk with your healthcare provider before starting Doripenem.  Consult your healthcare provider if you experience severe or prolonged diarrhea during or after treatment. Inform your healthcare provider about any history of liver disease and undergo regular liver function tests during treatment if recommended.

Before starting the medication, inform your healthcare provider about any allergies, especially to beta-lactam antibiotics, and any history of severe reactions or seizures. Discuss your medical history, including kidney or liver conditions, and list all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider, as doripenem's safety in these situations is not fully established. If you have a history of gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, or immune system issues, tell your healthcare provider. Children and elderly individuals might require monitoring by any healthcare provider. Check for signs of severe allergic reactions, central nervous system effects, and Clostridioides difficile infection. Complete the full course of treatment and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. Always follow healthcare provider instructions for optimal safety and treatment outcomes.

1. Shionogi & Co. Ltd., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Apr 2013] [Accessed on 22th August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/022106s008lbl.pdf
2. P.T. Reid, J.A. Innes, Respiratory Disease, Davidson’s Principles & Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 643-732.
3. Camille E. Beauduy, Lisa G. Winston, Beta-Lactam & Other Cell Wall- & Membrane-Active Antibiotics, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 795-814.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.