Doripenem Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 26, 2024.
Applies to doripenem: intravenous powder for injection.
Warning
You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to doripenem, ertapenem (Invanz), imipenem (Primaxin), or meropenem (Merrem).
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe stomach pain;
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diarrhea that is watery or bloody; or
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severe itching or skin rash.
Common side effects may include:
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headache;
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diarrhea, nausea;
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vaginal itching or discharge;
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mild rash; or
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pain, swelling, or redness where the medicine was injected.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to doripenem: intravenous powder for injection.
General
In 5 clinical trials, 1338 adult patients received this drug. The most common side effects were anemia, headache, nausea, diarrhea, rash, elevated hepatic enzymes, and phlebitis. During clinical studies, this drug was discontinued due to side effects in 4.1% of patients.[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 16%)
Frequency not reported: Dizziness
Postmarketing reports: Seizure[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 12%), diarrhea (up to 12%)
Common (1% to 10%): Oral candidiasis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Clostridium difficile colitis
Frequency not reported: Constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions
Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis[Ref]
Serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported with beta-lactams.[Ref]
Hematologic
Common (1% to 10%): Anemia
Postmarketing reports: Neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10%): Phlebitis
Frequency not reported: Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, hypertension, hypotension[Ref]
Hepatic
Elevated hepatic enzymes also included ALT or AST at or below the upper limit of normal (ULN) at baseline increasing to greater than 5 times ULN at end of therapy.[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Elevated hepatic enzymes (includes elevated ALT, elevated AST, elevated transaminases)
Frequency not reported: Cholestasis[Ref]
Dermatologic
The incidence of rash was higher in patients receiving doses greater than the approved dose compared to those receiving the approved dose. The rash resolved within 10 days after this drug was stopped.
Serious skin reactions have been reported with beta-lactams.[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus
Frequency not reported: Erythema, macular/papular eruptions, bullous dermatitis, urticaria, erythema multiforme, allergic dermatitis, decubitus ulcer
Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Vulvomycotic infection
Frequency not reported: Urinary tract infection, asymptomatic bacteriuria[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Pneumonitis, pneumonia, pleural effusion, dyspnea
Postmarketing reports: Interstitial pneumonia[Ref]
Pneumonitis has been reported when this drug was administered via inhalation.[Ref]
Renal
Postmarketing reports: Renal impairment/renal failure[Ref]
Metabolic
Frequency not reported: Hypokalemia[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Pyrexia, peripheral edema[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Insomnia, anxiety[Ref]
More about doripenem
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (1)
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: carbapenems
- Breastfeeding
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References
1. EMEA. European Medicines Agency (2007) EPARs. European Union Public Assessment Reports. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/includes/medicines/medicines_landingpage.jsp&mid
2. (2007) "Product Information. Doribax (doripenem)." Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical
3. (2008) "Doripenem (Doribax)--a new parenteral carbapenem." Med Lett Drugs Ther, 50, p. 5-7
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
5. Chastre J, Wunderink R, Prokocimer P, Lee M, Kaniga K, Friedland I (2008) "Efficacy and safety of intravenous infusion of doripenem versus imipenem in ventilator-associated pneumonia: a multicenter, randomized study." Crit Care Med, 36, p. 1089-96
6. (2008) "Doripenem (doribax)--a new parenteral carbapenem." Obstet Gynecol, 111, p. 1206-7
7. Cerner Multum, Inc (2015) "Malaysia product information."
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.