Utebzi Side Effects and Interactions: What to Expect and How to Manage Them

Written by Honey Joseph
Medically Reviewed by Beth Johnston, BCPS, PharmD on August 13, 2026

Utebzi (tebipenem pivoxil) is an antibiotic used to treat complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs), including pyelonephritis (kidney infection), caused by certain bacteria.

Like all medicines, Utebzi can cause side effects and may interact with other medicines or supplements.

Keep reading to learn about possible Utebzi side effects, how to manage them, and which medicines may interact with Utebzi.

This article does not include all possible side effects or interactions. Tell your health care provider about any symptoms that concern you or do not improve.

The most common side effects reported with Utebzi include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain

While less common, potentially serious side effects of Utebzi include:

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Seizures or other central nervous system (CNS) problems
  • Antibiotic-associated diarrhea

If you have symptoms that feel serious or life-threatening, seek medical care right away.

While not a complete guide, the following tips can help you prevent or manage potential side effects of Utebzi.

1. Diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect of Utebzi. Possible symptoms include loose or watery stools, stomach cramps, and an urgent need to use the bathroom. In studies, 8% of people receiving Utebzi reported diarrhea.

Mild diarrhea often improves on its own within a short time. To help manage diarrhea at home:

  • Eat bland foods, such as rice, bananas, or toast.
  • Avoid greasy, spicy, or high-fiber foods that may worsen symptoms. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Avoid fried foods, and limit dairy products such as butter and cream.
  • Drink fluids often to prevent dehydration. Opt for water, broth, or electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade or Pedialyte.
  • Ask your health care provider if an over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheal medicine may help.

Rarely, many types of antibiotics, including Utebzi, can cause an overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff in your gut. This can lead to a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea. This can happen two or more months after finishing the antibiotic. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your poop
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

2. Headache

Headache is a commonly reported side effect of Utebzi. In studies, 3% of people receiving Utebzi reported headache.

Symptoms may include mild-to-moderate head pain or pressure.

To help manage headaches:

  • Rest in a quiet, dark room if needed.
  • Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing.
  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
  • Minimize stress.
  • Drink enough fluids and eat regular meals or snacks.

An OTC pain reliever may help ease headache pain. But check with your health care provider or pharmacist first to make sure it is safe for you.

3. Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of Utebzi. Nausea is the feeling that you might throw up, but it doesn’t always lead to vomiting.

Here are some tips to help prevent or ease nausea:

  • Plan smaller, more frequent meals (instead of two or three large ones), and stop eating as soon as you feel full.
  • Avoid high-fat or greasy foods, such as cheese and butter.
  • Choose bland foods, such as saltine crackers, rice, or toast.
  • Sip on clear liquids throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
  • Try popsicles, Jell-O, ginger or peppermint tea, or even acupressure wristbands.

Utebzi can interact with other medicines and supplements.

An interaction happens when a substance changes how a medicine works or affects the body. Some interactions may increase the risk of side effects, while others may make Utebzi less effective.

Utebzi has the potential to interact with other medicines because the body uses certain pathways to break down and remove it, which can be affected by other medicines. As a result, some medicines may change how much Utebzi is present in the bloodstream, sometimes increasing the chance of side effects. Utebzi may also affect how other medicines work.

This is not a complete list, but you should know about these important interactions before taking Utebzi.

Medicines that increase the risk of Utebzi side effects

Some Utebzi interactions may add to the risk of side effects associated with Utebzi. This happens because certain medicines can affect the way the kidneys remove Utebzi from your body. This may cause higher levels of Utebzi in your body, increasing the risk of side effects.

Probenecid, which is a medicine commonly used for gout, is an example of a medicine that may increase the risk of side effects of Utebzi.

These medicines are typically not used together. If you take these together, your health care provider may recommend closer monitoring for side effects.

Valproic acid and divalproex sodium

Valproic acid and divalproex sodium are medicines used for seizures and other health conditions. Utebzi can lower the levels of these medicines, which may make them less effective. This may increase your risk of seizures.

You should not take these medicines together. If you must take these medicines with Utebzi, your health care provider may monitor blood levels of valproic acid or divalproex sodium or recommend a different or additional seizure medicine.

You can help lower your risk of side effects and interactions by taking Utebzi exactly as prescribed and following all instructions from your health care provider.

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Do not stop Utebzi early or take it longer than your health care provider tells you to. 
  • Do not use Utebzi to treat any other infections; only use it for infections caused by bacteria that are likely to respond to the medicine.
  • Always tell your health care provider and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and any vitamins, herbs, or other supplements you use.
  • Ask your health care provider before you start or stop any medicine, vitamin, or supplement.
  • Keep all follow-up appointments and lab tests.
  • Report any new or worsening symptoms to your health care provider.

Your health care provider can review your treatment plan and make adjustments if needed to help ensure that this medicine is safe for you.

 

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