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Antimicrobial Synergy Testing by the Inkjet Printer-assisted Automated Checkerboard Array and the Manual Time-kill Method
Published on: April 18, 2019
Doripenem: a new carbapenem antibiotic
Elias B Chahine1, Mary J Ferrill, Mara N Poulakos
1Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL 33416, USA.
Summary
Doripenem is a new carbapenem antibiotic effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including resistant strains. Clinical trials show it is noninferior to other antibiotics for serious infections, with a favorable safety profile.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Agents
- Drug Development
Background:
- Doripenem represents a significant advancement in the carbapenem class of antibiotics.
- Understanding its comprehensive profile is crucial for effective clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the chemistry, pharmacology, antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, safety, and formulary considerations of doripenem.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of this novel antibiotic for healthcare professionals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review encompassing preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of data on antimicrobial spectrum, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
- Evaluation of clinical trial results for various infections and safety assessments.
Main Results:
- Doripenem demonstrates broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative (including ESBL-producing strains), and anaerobic pathogens.
- Noninferiority established in treating complicated intra-abdominal infections (vs. meropenem), complicated urinary tract infections (vs. levofloxacin), ventilator-associated pneumonia (vs. imipenem), and hospital-acquired pneumonia (vs. piperacillin-tazobactam).
- Favorable safety profile with common side effects including gastrointestinal issues and headache; serious adverse events are rare. Low seizure potential and a notable interaction with valproic acid requiring dose monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Doripenem is a potent injectable carbapenem antibiotic with an antimicrobial spectrum comparable to established agents like imipenem and meropenem.
- Its efficacy in treating serious infections and comparable safety profile to other carbapenems support its role in clinical practice.
- Dosing adjustments are necessary for patients with impaired renal function, and potential interactions, such as with valproic acid, must be considered.
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