Faropenem is a penem with a tetrahydrofuran substituent at position C2, with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes. Compared with imipenem, faropenem has improved chemical stability and reduced central nervous system effects. In addition, faropenem is resistant to hydrolysis by many beta-lactamases. Faropenem has been used in trials studying the treatment of Tuberculosis, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and Community-Acquired Pneumonia.
Faropenem has demonstrated excellent in vitro activity against common respiratory pathogens, many aerobic gram-positive organisms, and anaerobes. Activity against gram-negative organisms is more reserved. In vivo data suggest that faropenem is efficacious in treating community-acquired infections including uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections; however, more data may help to characterize faropenem’s place in antimicrobial therapy. Replidyne, Inc., the manufacturer of faropenem, is conducting studies to address the Food and Drug Administration’s concerns that resulted in a nonapprovable letter in October 2006.
Mechanism of Action
Like other beta-lactam antibiotics, faropenem acts by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. It inhibits cross-linkage between the linear peptidoglycan polymer chains that make up a major component of the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria. It does this by binding to and competitively inhibiting the transpeptidase enzyme used by bacteria to cross-link the peptide (D-alanyl-alanine) used in peptidoglycan synthesis.
Faropenem has demonstrated excellent in vitro activity against common respiratory pathogens, many aerobic gram-positive organisms, and anaerobes. Activity against gram-negative organisms is more reserved. In vivo data suggest that faropenem is efficacious in treating community-acquired infections including uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections; however, more data may help to characterize faropenem’s place in antimicrobial therapy.
Indications of Faropenem
As of 8 September 2015, Faropenem has yet to receive marketing approval in the United States and was submitted for consideration by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 20 December 2005. The new drug application dossier submitted included these proposed indications:
- acute bacterial sinusitis
- community-acquired pneumonia
- acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
- uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
- urinary tract infections
Contraindications
- History of hypersensitivity to faropenem and other penems, anaphylactic reaction to β-lactams.
Dosage of Faropenem
Strength: 150mg, 200mg, 300mg
- The recommended adult dosage of 150 – 200 mg three times a day. Besides, it may be increased 300mg three times in a day.
Drug Interactions of Faropenem
Not Available
References
