ertapenem at a glance
Medicine class
Carbapenem beta-lactam antibiotic
Administration
Intravenous infusion; not taken by mouth
Important interaction
Not recommended with valproic acid or sodium valproate because seizure control may be lost
Stewardship status
UK Reserve antibiotic
What is ertapenem used for?
The selected UK product is licensed when susceptible bacteria are known or strongly suspected and parenteral treatment is required.
Intra-abdominal infections
Community-acquired pneumonia
Acute gynaecological infections
Diabetic foot infections involving skin and soft tissue
Prevention of surgical-site infection following elective colorectal surgery in adults
How does ertapenem work?
Ertapenem binds to bacterial penicillin-binding proteins and prevents cell-wall construction, causing susceptible bacteria to die. Resistance may result from carbapenemases, reduced entry or efflux mechanisms.
ertapenem preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 1 g
How to take ertapenem
Ertapenem is reconstituted, diluted and infused into a vein. It is normally prepared and administered by healthcare professionals. Home self-administration should occur only through a supervised OPAT service after practical training.
Follow the intravenous-line and infection-control instructions from the treating service.
Do not prepare or administer ertapenem yourself unless formally trained and assessed by the OPAT team.
Report pain, redness, swelling, leakage or discharge around the intravenous line.
ertapenem side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting
- Rash or itching
- Pain, inflammation, swelling or other problems at the infusion site or infused vein
- Changes in liver-function tests or platelet count
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Antibiotic-associated colitis causing severe or persistent diarrhoea
- Seizures, abnormal movements, marked confusion or reduced consciousness
- Severe widespread, blistering or pustular skin reactions
ertapenem in pregnancy
Human pregnancy evidence is limited. Ertapenem should be used during pregnancy only when the expected benefit outweighs the possible fetal risk; specialist or prescriber review is important.
ertapenem while breastfeeding
Ertapenem passes into human milk. The selected UK product advises not breastfeeding during treatment because adverse effects in the infant are possible. Discuss feeding options promptly with the prescriber, maternity team or specialist medicines service.
ertapenem interactions
The principal clinically important interaction in the selected UK product is with valproate therapy.
Valproic acid or sodium valproate
Carbapenems can substantially lower valproate concentrations and cause loss of seizure control. Combined use is not recommended and alternatives should be considered.
Common questions about ertapenem
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is ertapenem a penicillin?
No. It is a carbapenem, although both carbapenems and penicillins are beta-lactam antibiotics.
Can ertapenem be taken by mouth?
No. The selected product is prepared and given into a vein.
Does ertapenem treat Pseudomonas or MRSA?
Generally not. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is inherently resistant, and methicillin-resistant staphylococci are resistant to beta-lactams including ertapenem.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.