Faropenem
Indications
Faropenem is an antibiotic taken by mouth for bacterial infections, such as:
- infections of the throat, sinuses, ears and tonsils;
- chest infections, including bronchitis flare-ups and mild community-acquired pneumonia;
- skin and soft tissue infections;
- urinary tract infections;
- some dental and gynaecological infections.
It does not work against viral infections such as colds or flu. It is usually kept for infections where other antibiotics are not suitable.
How It Works
Faropenem is a penem, a type of beta-lactam antibiotic related to the carbapenems. It stops bacteria from building their cell walls, so the bacteria burst and die. It is stable against many enzymes that make bacteria resistant to penicillins.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults: usually 150 to 300 mg two or three times a day, depending on the infection, for 5 to 10 days, as prescribed.
- Children: by weight, as prescribed.
- Kidney problems: the doctor may lower the dose.
Take after meals with water. Space the doses evenly and finish the full course even if you feel better, to stop the infection coming back and to reduce resistance.
Interactions
Faropenem may lower the blood level of Sodium Valproate (an epilepsy medicine), which can lead to seizures; they are not usually taken together. Probenecid can raise faropenem levels. Diuretics such as Furosemide may increase the risk of kidney side effects. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Faropenem
- A history of serious allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins or carbapenems
Side Effects
Common: diarrhoea or loose stools, nausea, stomach pain and rash. Less often: headache, itching and changes in liver blood tests.
Get medical help at once for: watery or bloody diarrhoea, especially with fever or stomach cramps (this can happen during or weeks after treatment); swelling of the face, lips or throat; wheezing or trouble breathing; a severe or blistering rash; or yellow skin or eyes.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is limited information on safety in pregnancy. Use only if the doctor decides the benefit outweighs any risk. It is not known how much passes into breast milk; ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Tell your doctor about any past allergy to antibiotics.
- Take extra care in older people and in those with kidney disease or a history of bowel problems such as colitis.
- Do not use it for minor infections that do not need an antibiotic; this helps keep it working.
Overdose
Too much may cause stomach upset and diarrhoea. Contact a doctor if a large amount was taken; treatment is supportive.
Therapeutic Class
Beta-lactam antibiotic (penem).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Faropenem