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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