Why is this medication prescribed?

Doribax (doripenem) is an antibiotic medication prescribed to treat various bacterial infections, particularly complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), including kidney infections (pyelonephritis), and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs). It belongs to the carbapenem class of antibiotics, which are potent broad-spectrum antibiotics effective against a wide range of bacteria.

How should this medicine be used?

When using Doribax, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely. Typically, it’s administered intravenously (IV) by a healthcare professional, either in a hospital or clinical setting. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection, the specific type of bacteria causing it, and the patient’s individual factors such as age and overall health.

It’s crucial to complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished. Stopping the medication too early can lead to the return of the infection or the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

If you have any questions about how to use Doribax or concerns about your treatment, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider

Other uses for this medicine

As for other uses of Doribax, it’s primarily indicated for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections and complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis. It’s important to note that Doribax is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be taken when using Doribax, including:

• Allergy: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a known allergy to doripenem or any other beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins or cephalosporins. Serious allergic reactions, though rare, can occur.
• Seizure Disorders: Doripenem may increase the risk of seizures, especially in patients with a history of seizure disorders or central nervous system abnormalities. Caution is advised when prescribing Doribax to such individuals.
• Kidney Function: Doribax is primarily eliminated from the body via the kidneys. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in patients with impaired renal (kidney) function to prevent drug accumulation and potential toxicity. Your healthcare provider will monitor your kidney function and adjust the dosage accordingly.
• Risk of Clostridium difficile Infection: Like many antibiotics, Doribax use may lead to overgrowth of bacteria called Clostridium difficile, which can cause severe diarrhea and colitis. Inform your healthcare provider if you develop persistent diarrhea during or after treatment with Doribax.
• Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Doribax in pregnant women has not been established. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus. Similarly, it’s not known whether doripenem passes into breast milk, so caution is advised when using Doribax while breastfeeding.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any unusual symptoms or side effects experienced during Doribax treatment. It’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks when using any medication, especially antibiotics.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Doribax. However, it’s essential to maintain good hydration and nutrition during treatment to support your body’s ability to fight infection and tolerate medication.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of Doribax, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance. They will advise you on whether to take the missed dose as soon as you remember or to skip it and continue with your regular dosing schedule. It’s important not to double up on doses to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects and complications.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Doribax (doripenem) is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects of Doribax may include:

• Nausea and vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting are among the most common side effects reported with Doribax use.
• Diarrhea: Doribax can disrupt the balance of normal gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea. In some cases, this diarrhea may be severe and may indicate a Clostridium difficile infection.
• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches while taking Doribax.
• Injection site reactions: If Doribax is administered intravenously (IV), there may be irritation or inflammation at the injection site.
• Rash: Allergic reactions to Doribax can manifest as skin rashes or itching.
• Fever: Fever is a possible side effect of Doribax, though it’s not very common.
• Abnormal liver function tests: In some cases, Doribax may cause temporary elevations in liver enzymes, which can be detected through blood tests.
• Decreased blood cell counts: Doribax can rarely cause decreases in certain types of blood cells, such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
• Seizures: While uncommon, Doribax may increase the risk of seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of seizure disorders or central nervous system abnormalities.
• Allergic reactions: Serious allergic reactions to Doribax are rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and hives.

It’s important to report any unusual or severe symptoms experienced while taking Doribax to your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction or any other serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

This list may not include all possible side effects of Doribax. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can provide more comprehensive information about potential side effects associated with this medication.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Doribax:

• Storage: Doribax should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Do not store Doribax in the bathroom or in the refrigerator unless directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Disposal: Dispose of any unused Doribax properly according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the best way to dispose of unused medications.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek medical attention: If you suspect an overdose of Doribax or experience severe adverse reactions, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Contact your local poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Symptomatic treatment: Treatment for Doribax overdose will typically involve supportive care and management of symptoms. Your healthcare provider or emergency medical personnel will determine the appropriate course of action based on your specific situation.

What other information should I know?

• Complete the full course: It’s important to complete the full course of Doribax treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished. Stopping the medication too early can result in the return of the infection or the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Follow-up: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to Doribax treatment and ensure that the infection is properly treated.
• Inform other healthcare providers: If you are scheduled for any medical procedures or tests while taking Doribax or shortly after completing treatment, inform the healthcare providers involved about your recent antibiotic therapy.
• Avoid alcohol: While there is no specific interaction between Doribax and alcohol, it’s generally advisable to avoid alcohol consumption during antibiotic treatment to prevent potential interactions and to support the body’s immune response to infection.
• Inform about other medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with Doribax.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and advice when using Doribax or any other medication. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.