About ertapenem m
Carbapenem antibiotic
Used for
- Treats certain serious bacterial infections, including abdominal, pelvic, skin, and urinary infections.
- Treats community-acquired pneumonia and diabetic foot infections.
- Helps prevent infection after colorectal surgery.
Usual adult dose
1 g intravenously once daily; treatment duration depends on infection.
Usual dose in children
For ages 3 months to 12 years: 15 mg/kg intravenously every 12 hours, maximum 1 g daily. Not established for younger infants.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Headache
- Infusion-site pain or inflammation
- Rash
Important warnings
- Use only for infections caused by susceptible bacteria; it does not treat viral infections.
- Seizures and other serious nervous-system effects can occur, especially with kidney problems.
- Serious allergic reactions may occur, including in people allergic to other beta-lactam antibiotics.
- Adjust dosing for severe kidney impairment; prolonged use can cause antibiotic-associated colitis.
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only when clearly needed; human safety information is limited.
Breastfeeding
Ertapenem passes into breast milk in small amounts; monitor infants for diarrhea or thrush.
Interactions
- Probenecid increases ertapenem exposure; combined use is generally avoided.
- May lower valproate levels, increasing seizure risk; avoid or closely manage the combination.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.