Doribax: FDA Approves IV Drug for Treating Complex UTI

Urinary tract infections can be painful and, when not treated properly, can lead to long term health complications. For many UTI sufferers, the complications of urinary tract infections are often alleviated with the use of antibiotics. In rare cases, however, the use of traditional antibiotics may not prove to be effective.

The FDA has approved a drug known as Doribax in the fight against, and treatment of, complex urinary tract infections. Provided by Ortho-McNeil, Inc, Doribax lends its success to the ability to fight all types of bacteria, including those that are normally considered antibiotic-resistant strains.

As an injectable, Doribax is best when administered, intravenously, to patients who require hospital admission for a complex urinary tract infection. Administering 500 milligrams every eight hours, patients generally find the complications associated with the urinary tract infection can be alleviated with even the first dose. As a general rule, dosing can last as long as 14 days in the most complex of urinary tract infections.

As a carbapenem, the use of Doribax will not come without side effects. In patients with complex urinary tract infections, receiving Doribax by IV infusion, the most common side effects experienced include diarrhea, headache, nausea and even the development of phlebitis. Because diarrhea can be quite complex, creating a whole new set of health complications, admission to the hospital is necessary when using this method of UTI treatment.

If you are currently taking medications for a seizure disorder, such as valproic acid, the use of Doribax may not be indicated in your treatment of a complex urinary tract infection. Because carbapenem antibiotics can inhibit the activity of valproic acid, your seizure disorder may be complicated during this course of treatment.