FAROPENEM

Background and Date of Approval

Faropenem is an antibiotic medication used for the treatment of bacterial infections and was initially approved for medical use.

Uses

Faropenem is used to treat various bacterial infections, including lung, urinary tract, skin, and gynecological infections.

How is it administered?

Take Faropenem as advised by your physician. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

Side Effects

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Faropenem are diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and rash.

Warnings

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Stop taking this tablet and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a rash or skin symptoms. Patients with kidney (renal) insufficiency or impaired kidney function may require dosage adjustments or longer intervals between doses of Faropenem. Proper dosing is important to avoid an accumulation of the medication in the body, which could lead to adverse effects. Those with poor oral intake may be at risk of developing symptoms of vitamin K deficiency while taking the drug. Close monitoring is advised, and appropriate measures should be taken if any deficiency-related symptoms are observed.

Precautions

There is no adequate data on the safety of Faropenem during pregnancy. It is highly advised to notify your physician if you are pregnant, suspected to be pregnant, or plan for pregnancy before taking this medicine. This drug should not be used during breastfeeding because it gets excreted in human milk and affects the child. This drug has been associated with the frequent occurrence of diarrhea and loose bowel movements. Consider discontinuing this drug and consult your physician immediately if these gastrointestinal symptoms occur.

Word of Advice

Complete the entire prescribed course of Faropenem, even if symptoms improve before the course ends. Stopping treatment early can result in incomplete eradication of the infection and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Maintain adequate fluid intake during treatment with Faropenem, as this helps prevent dehydration.

References

Faropenem, Review of Current Evidence; [Accessed on 10 August 2023], http://www.shijiebiaopin.com/upload/product/201152523285733.PDF Farobact 200 Tablets, Ciplamed, [Accessed on 10 August 2023], https://www.ciplamed.com/content/farobact-200-tablets Ryoichi Hamsasuna et al; Treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis with faropenem for 3 days versus 7 days: multicentre, randomized, open-label, controlled trial; Journal of Antimicrobial chemotherapy; [Published on 06/02/2014]; [Accessed on 10 August 2023], https://academic.oup.com/jac/article-pdf/69/6/1675/2480725/dku014.pdf Takao Yokota et al.; [Efficacy and safety of faropenem in pediatric patients with bacterial infectious diseases]; The Japanese Journal of Antibiotics; [Published on Dec 2008]; [Accessed on 10 August 2023], https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19288854/ KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Beta-lactam antibiotics, 7th edition, 2013, 731.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Faropenem be used in children?

The use of Faropenem in children is generally not recommended, as its safety and effectiveness in pediatric populations have yet to be established. However, in specific cases, a doctor may prescribe it if they determine the benefits outweigh the risks.

Who should avoid Faropenem?

Faropenem should be avoided by individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to penicillin, cephem, or carbapenem drugs. Patients with a family history of atopy (allergic conditions) and those with kidney (renal) insufficiency should also exercise caution.

Is it safe to use Faropenem if I have kidney problems?

Patients with kidney insufficiency should use Faropenem with caution. Dosing adjustments or longer intervals between doses might be necessary.

Can Faropenem interact with other medications?

Faropenem may interact with certain medications, such as furosemide, and sodium valproate which can affect the levels of Faropenem in the body. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking.

Are there any side effects of Faropenem?

Some common side effects of Faropenem include diarrhea, loose bowel movements, and gastrointestinal disturbances. If these symptoms occur, it may be necessary to discontinue the medication.

Available Brands 12

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS