ertapenem sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Carbapenem beta-lactam antibiotic
How it is given
Intravenous infusion; it cannot be taken by mouth
Important interaction
Valproic acid or sodium valproate should not normally be used with ertapenem
Important limitation
It is not expected to treat MRSA, enterococci or Pseudomonas aeruginosa
What is ertapenem sodium used for?
UK-licensed uses apply when parenteral treatment is required and the bacteria are known or strongly expected to be susceptible.
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 sodium work?
Ertapenem prevents susceptible bacteria from building a stable cell wall, causing them to die. Some resistance mechanisms can make it ineffective.
ertapenem sodium preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 1 g
How to take ertapenem sodium
Ertapenem is prepared from a powder and given by intravenous infusion. It is normally administered by a healthcare professional. Home self-administration should occur only through a supported service after training and competency assessment.
Follow the aseptic technique and line-care instructions provided by the treating team.
Do not prepare, mix or administer it differently from the product and service instructions.
Tell the team promptly about pain, leakage, resistance when flushing, discharge or redness around the intravenous line.
ertapenem sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Rash or itching
- Pain, irritation or inflammation around the infusion site
- Changes in liver-enzyme blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or another severe allergic reaction
- Severe skin reactions, including blistering or widespread rash with systemic illness
- Antibiotic-associated colitis causing severe or persistent diarrhoea
- Seizures or encephalopathy, with confusion, jerking movements or reduced consciousness
- Significant blood-cell, liver or kidney abnormalities
ertapenem sodium in pregnancy
Human pregnancy evidence is limited. Use during pregnancy is advised only when the expected benefit outweighs the possible fetal risk. The infection, alternatives and stage of pregnancy require prescriber assessment.
ertapenem sodium while breastfeeding
Ertapenem passes into human milk. The selected UK product information advises against breastfeeding during treatment because adverse effects in the infant are possible. Seek specialist advice before changing treatment or feeding.
ertapenem sodium interactions
Give the treating team a complete list of prescribed, non-prescribed and complementary products.
Valproic acid or sodium valproate
Carbapenems can rapidly and substantially lower valproate concentrations, risking loss of seizure control. Concurrent use is not recommended, and monitoring levels or simply adjusting valproate may not manage the interaction.
Common questions about ertapenem sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can ertapenem sodium be taken by mouth?
No. It is prepared from a powder and given into a vein.
Does ertapenem sodium cover Pseudomonas or MRSA?
No reliable activity should be assumed. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is generally resistant, and MRSA is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics.
Can someone with a penicillin allergy receive ertapenem sodium?
The previous reaction matters. A previous severe reaction to penicillins, cephalosporins or another beta-lactam is a contraindication. All antibiotic allergies should be reviewed before treatment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.