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[Efficacy and safety of faropenem in pediatric patients with bacterial infectious diseases]

Takao Yokota1, Shiro Azagami, Takashi Abe

  • 1Yokota Pediatric Clinic.

The Japanese Journal of Antibiotics
|March 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Faropenem (FRPM) is an effective oral antibiotic for pediatric bacterial infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria. This study found FRPM safe and effective, with diarrhea as the main side effect.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Context:

  • Faropenem (FRPM) is the only oral penem antibiotic available.
  • It exhibits potent activity against penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP).
  • Established pediatric dosage and administration schedules exist.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral faropenem (FRPM) in pediatric patients.
  • To assess FRPM's effectiveness against common pediatric bacterial infections.
  • To document adverse drug reactions and patient compliance.

Summary:

  • 113 pediatric patients with mild-to-moderate bacterial infections received oral FRPM (15-30 mg/kg/day TID for 3-8 days).
  • Clinical efficacy was high across upper respiratory tract infections (90.0%), acute bronchitis (85.7%), otitis media (94.1%), and UTIs (100%).
  • FRPM demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against S. pneumoniae with a high eradication rate; diarrhea occurred in 12.5% of patients with no serious adverse events.

Impact:

  • FRPM is a safe and effective treatment option for pediatric bacterial infections, comparable to oral penicillin and cephem antibiotics.
  • The study supports FRPM's utility in treating infections caused by resistant pathogens like PRSP.
  • Good compliance suggests FRPM is well-tolerated and practical for pediatric use.

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