Ertapenem

Ertapenem
Brands

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Invanz

  • Carbapenems

IV or IM broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic stable against beta-lactamases
Used to treat UTI, skin, pelvic, intraabdominal infections and community-acquired pneumonia; used for colorectal surgical prophylaxis
Once-daily dosing may be advantageous, but no P. aeruginosa activity 

Indicated for the treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Indicated for the treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (Including Pyelonephritis)

Indicated for the treatment of Acute Pelvic Infections

Indicated for the treatment of Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections

Also indicated for Complicated Skin/Skin Structure Infections

Hypersensitivity to ertapenem, beta-lactams, or other drugs in this class

IM administration: Hypersensitivity to amide local anesthetics (eg, lidocaine)

  • Diarrhea (2-12%)
  • Elevated liver function tests (LFTs) (7-9%)
  • Nausea (6-9%)
  • Headache (6-7%)
  • Infused vein complications (5-7%)
  • Increased platelet count (4-7%)
  • Increased alkaline phosphatase (4-7%)
  • Altered mental status (3-5%)
  • Fever (2-5%)
  • Abdominal pain (4%)
  • Vomiting (4%)
  • Constipation (3-4%)
  • Insomnia (3%)
  • Swelling or edema (3%)
  • Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome) (2-3%)
  • Rash (2-3%)
  • Vaginitis (1-3%)
  • Dizziness (2%)
  • Phlebitis or thrombophlebitis (1.5-2%)
  • Pruritus (1-2%)
  • Tachycardia (1-2%)
  • Acid regurgitation (1-2%)
  • Eosinophilia (1-2%)
  • Hypotension (1-2%)
  • Erythema (1-2%)
  • Hypertension (0.7-2%)
  • Chest pain (1%)
  • Dyspepsia (1%)
  • Fatigue (1%)
  • Anxiety (0.8-1%)
  • Oral candidiasis (0.1-1%)

Use with caution in CNS disorders (eg., history of seizures); adjust dose in renal impairment to avoid risk of seizures; carbapenem use has been associated with seizures

Do not coinfuse with other medications or use dextrose diluent

Prolonged use increases risk of superinfections

Use caution in renal impairment; adjust dose in moderate to severe renal dysfunction

Carbapenem use may decrease serum levels of divalproex sodium or valproic acid

Available data from a small number of postmarketing cases with use in pregnancy are insufficient to inform any drug-associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes

Ertapenem is present in human milk; there are no data on effects on breastfed infant or on milk production

Adults

1 g/day IV/IM.

Geriatric

1 g/day IV/IM.

Adolescents

1 g/day IV/IM.

Children

30 mg/kg/day IV/IM (Max: 1 g/day).

Infants

3 to 11 months: 30 mg/kg/day IV/IM.
1 to 2 months: Safety and efficacy have not been established; however, doses up to 30 mg/kg/day IV/IM are recommended off-label.

Neonates

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Ertapenem

powder for injection

  • 1g/vial
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