Overview
Faropenem is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the carbapenem class of antibiotics, known for its broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Faropenem inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death. Faropenem is primarily used to treat infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, acute episodes of chronic bronchitis, acute bacterial sinusitis, and uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
Faropenem is usually taken orally, with or without food, as directed by a personal healthcare provider. The duration and dose of treatment depend on the type and severity of the infection.
As with any antibiotic, there is a risk of developing antibiotic resistance with the prolonged use of Faropenem. Therefore, using this medication only as a healthcare professional prescribes is important.
How Does Faropenem Work?
Faropenem inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Bacterial cell walls are important for bacteria for the survival, because they structural support and also protects the bacteria from various external stresses. The cell wall comprises peptidoglycan, a complex molecule composed of amino acids and sugars. Faropenem works by binding to and inhibiting an enzyme called penicillin-binding protein (PBP), which is responsible for cross-linking the peptidoglycan chains in the bacterial cell wall. This inhibition weakens the bacterial cell wall, making it more susceptible to damage and ultimately leading to bacterial death.
Available Form and Dosage:
Faropenem is available in tablet form and as a powder for oral suspension. The tablets are available in strengths of 200 mg, 400 mg, and 600 mg, while the powder for oral suspension is available at a 125 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL strength.
The usual adult dose of Faropenem for most infections is 400 mg orally for 7 to 14 days. The dose may be increased for severe infections to 600 mg every 12 hours. In children, the dose of Faropenem is based on body weight and administered as an oral suspension. The suspension should be shaken well before use, and the dose should be measured in a measuring device.
What Are the Directions for Using Faropenem?
The directions for using Faropenem will vary depending on the specific form and strength of the medication a healthcare provider prescribes.
For the tablet form, the medication can be taken with or without food, as directed by a healthcare provider. A person should swallow the whole tablet and not chew or crush it.
For the powder form, it should be mixed with water as directed by a personal healthcare provider. The suspension must be shaken well before each use to distribute the medication evenly. The medication should be measured using a calibrated measuring device to ensure accuracy.
Taking Faropenem for the full course of treatment is important, even if a person feels better before the medication is finished. Stopping the medication early may allow the infection to return or worsen, increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance. If someone has questions or concerns about taking Faropenem, speak with a healthcare provider.
Warnings
The following of some of the warnings associated with the use of Faropenem:
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Allergic Reactions: Faropenem can cause allergic reactions in some people, ranging from mild to severe. If a person feels any of the allergic symptoms, then they should seek medical attention immediately.
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Liver Problems: Faropenem can cause liver problems in some people. Symptoms of liver problems can include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. If a person experiences these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
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Blood Disorders: Rarely, Faropenem can cause blood disorders such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. It causes symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, fever, and easy bruising or bleeding.
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Faropenem should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the drug's benefits outweigh the fetus's or infant's risks. Tell the healthcare provider if a women is pregnant, planning for it, or breastfeeding.
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Kidney Problems: Faropenem can cause kidney problems in some people, especially those with preexisting kidney disease. If a person has kidney disease, talk to a healthcare provider before starting treatment with Faropenem.
For Patients
What Is Bacterial Infection?
Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, microscopic organisms that can live and multiply in various environments, including inside the human body. Some bacteria are harmless or beneficial to humans, while others can cause many infections and diseases.
Bacterial infections can affect any body part, including the skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, digestive system, and bloodstream. Symptoms depends on the type of infection and the affected area of the body. They include fever, chills, pain, inflammation, and discharge. Treatment involves antibiotics, that slow the growth of bacteria.
When to Use Ferofenom?
The following the conditions where Faropenem is prescribed include:
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Acute Bacterial Sinusitis: This is a sinus infection that can cause symptoms such as congestion, facial pain or pressure, and nasal discharge.
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Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis: This type of lung disease causes airway inflammation and can result in cough, chest congestion, and difficulty breathing.
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Community-Acquired Pneumonia: It is a lung infection that acquired outside of a hospital setting. It causes symptoms fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
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Skin Infections: These infections affect the skin and underlying tissues, including cellulitis, abscesses, and wound infections.
What Are the Side Effects of Faropenem?
Faropenem can cause side effects like all medications, but everyone will not experience them. Some common side effects of Faropenem include:
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Nausea.
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Diarrhea.
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Headache.
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Vomiting.
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Stomach pain.
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Dizziness.
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Rash.
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Itching.
Less commonly, Faropenem may cause more serious side effects, such as:
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Allergic Reactions: These can cause symptoms such as hives, facial swelling, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or wheezing.
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Severe Diarrhea: Faropenem may cause diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis, which can be life-threatening. Seek medical attention if an individual experiences severe or persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramping, fever, or blood in the stool.
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Liver Problems: Faropenem may cause liver damage, which can cause symptoms such as yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain. A person should take medical attention if one experiences any of these symptoms.
Dosage
The following dosages are general guidelines and may not apply to every individual:
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Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: The recommended dose for adults is 400 mg orally every 12 hours for five to ten days.
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Acute Bacterial Sinusitis: The recommended dose for adults is 400 mg orally every 12 hours for ten days.
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Community-Acquired Pneumonia: The recommended dose for adults is 600 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.
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Acute Bacterial Skin Infections: The recommended dose for adults is 400 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.
For Doctors:
Feropenem Taxonomy:
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Kingdom: Organic compounds.
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Superclass: Organic acids and derivatives.
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Class: Carboxylic acids and derivatives.
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Subclass: Amino acids, peptides, and analogs.
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Category: Beta-lactam antibiotics.
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Direct Parent: (4R,5S,6S)-3-[(3S,5S)-5-(dimethylcarbamoyl)pyrrolidin-3-ylthio]-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid.
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Molecular Formula - C12H15NO5S.
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Synonyms - Faropenem, Fropenem, Faropenem sodium, Faropenem sodium hydrate.
Pharmacodynamics
Faropenem is a beta-lactam antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is classified as a carbapenem antibiotic structurally related to penicillins and cephalosporins. Still, it has a broader spectrum of activity against various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Faropenem binds to and inhibits the activity of bacterial penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), responsible for the final steps of bacterial cell wall synthesis. By disrupting the formation of the bacterial cell wall, Faropenem causes the bacteria to become more susceptible to osmotic pressure and eventually lyse and die.
Faropenem is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and has a bioavailability of approximately 50 %.
Pharmacokinetics:
The pharmacokinetics of Faropenem refers to how the body processes the drug, including its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. Here are some key points about the pharmacokinetics of Faropenem:
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Absorption: Faropenem is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations achieved within one to two hours. The bioavailability of Faropenem is approximately 50 % following oral administration with food, and it is not affected by the presence of gastric acid-reducing agents.
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Distribution: Faropenem is distributed widely throughout the body, with good penetration into various tissues and fluids, including lung tissue, bronchial secretions, middle ear fluid, and skin. The volume of distribution is approximately 0.3 L/kg, and protein binding is low (approximately 18 %).
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Metabolism: Faropenem undergoes minimal metabolism in the liver, with less than 10 % of the drug being metabolized to inactive metabolites. The primary metabolite of Faropenem is the open-ring form, which is less active than the parent drug.
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Elimination: Faropenem is eliminated primarily by the kidneys, with approximately 80 % of the dose being excreted unchanged in the urine. The elimination half-life of Faropenem is approximately one hour in patients with normal renal function. In patients with renal disease, the elimination half-life may be prolonged.
Toxicity:
Like all antibiotics, Faropenem can potentially cause toxicity or adverse effects in some patients. Here are some key points about the toxicity of Faropenem:
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Gastrointestinal Effects: The most common side of Faropenem is gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
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Allergic Reactions: Faropenem, like other antibiotics, can cause allergic reactions in some patients, ranging from mild rash to more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. When taking Faropenem, patients with allergies or hypersensitivity reactions to other beta-lactam antibiotics should be monitored closely.
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Central Nervous System Effects: Rarely, Faropenem can cause central nervous system effects such as seizures or encephalopathy. Patients with previous seizures or other neurological disorders should be monitored closely when taking Faropenem.
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Liver Toxicity: Faropenem can cause liver toxicity in some patients, although this is rare.
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Renal Toxicity: Faropenem can also cause renal toxicity in some patients, particularly those with preexisting renal impairment. Patients should be monitored for signs of renal dysfunction, including changes in urine output and elevated creatinine levels.
How to Manage Faropenem Toxicity?
The management of Faropenem toxicity depends on the nature and severity of the adverse effects. Here are some general guidelines for managing toxicity associated with Faropenem:
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Gastrointestinal Effects: Mild to moderate gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can often be managed with supportive measures such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief. If symptoms persist or become severe, patients should contact their healthcare provider.
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Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to Faropenem can range from a mild rash to severe anaphylaxis. Mild reactions may be managed with antihistamines and corticosteroids, while severe reactions require immediate treatment with epinephrine and other measures to maintain airway, breathing, and circulation.
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Central Nervous System Effects: Seizures or encephalopathy associated with Faropenem are rare but require immediate medical attention. Treatment may include anticonvulsants and supportive measures to manage any underlying conditions.
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Renal Toxicity: If renal toxicity is suspected, Faropenem should be discontinued, and patients should be monitored closely for signs of renal dysfunction. Depending on the severity of the toxicity, additional measures such as hydration and renal replacement therapy may be necessary.
Contraindications:
There are several contraindications for the use of Faropenem, including:
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Hypersensitivity: Faropenem should not be used in known hypersensitivity patients or other beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins or cephalosporins.
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Severe Liver Dysfunction: Faropenem is primarily metabolized by the liver and should not be used in patients with severe liver dysfunction.
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History of Cholestatic Jaundice or Hepatitis: Faropenem can cause liver toxicity in some patients and, therefore, should be avoided in patients with cholestatic jaundice or hepatitis associated with prior use of beta-lactam antibiotics.
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Severe Renal Dysfunction: Faropenem is excreted by the kidneys and not be used in patients with severe renal dysfunction.
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It should be used cautionly or avoided altogether in these populations.
Drug Interactions:
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Probenecid: Probenecid can increase the serum concentrations of Faropenem by inhibiting its renal excretion. This increases the risk of adverse effects associated with Faropenem.
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Warfarin: Faropenem can interfere with Warfarin metabolism, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
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Oral Contraceptives: Faropenem can reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives by altering the bacterial flora in the gut and reducing estrogen reabsorption. Women taking oral contraceptives should consider using alternative or additional forms of contraception while taking Faropenem.
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Other Antibiotics: Concurrent use of other antibiotics, especially those with similar mechanisms of action or adverse effect profiles, can increase the risk of toxicity or reduce the efficacy of Faropenem.
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Proton Pump Inhibitors: Proton pump inhibitors can reduce the absorption of Faropenem and should be taken at least 2 hours apart from Faropenem dosing.
Other Specifications
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Pregnancy: There is limited data on using Faropenem during pregnancy, and its safety in pregnant women has not been established. These population should consult their healthcare provider before taking Faropenem.
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Lactation: It is not known whether Faropenem is excreted in human milk.
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Pediatrics: Faropenem is generally well-tolerated in pediatric patients. However, dosage adjustments may be necessary for pediatric patients with impaired renal function. Pediatric patients should be closely monitored for signs of adverse effects, especially diarrhea, vomiting, and rash. The safety and efficacy of Faropenem in children under three months old have not been established.
Conclusion
Faropenem is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It belongs to the carbapenem class of antibiotics and inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Faropenem is available in tablet and suspension form and is generally well-tolerated. However, it may cause some side effects, and patients should consult their healthcare provider if they experience any adverse reactions. Faropenem should only be used under medical supervision and not be taken without a prescription.
