| name | Ertapenem |
| classification | Carbapenem antibiotic |
| pharmacokinetics | Ertapenem is a parenteral carbapenem antibiotic. It is rapidly absorbed after intramuscular or intravenous administration. The drug is primarily eliminated renally, largely as unchanged compound, after minimal hepatic metabolism. The half-life is approximately 2.5-4 hours. Protein binding is low (approximately 20-30%). |
| dosage | | general | The dosage of ertapenem depends on the infection being treated. For most cases, the usual dose is 1 gram intravenously or intramuscularly once daily. | | specific consideration | Specific dosages for certain infections should be established by a physician, as different infections and patient conditions may require adjustments based on factors like infection severity, renal function, and patient's overall health. |
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| indications | Ertapenem is used to treat various infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, intra-abdominal infections, respiratory tract infections, and gynecologic infections. |
| pregnancy safety | Limited data are available regarding ertapenem use during pregnancy. Weigh potential benefits against potential risks to both mother and fetus. Consult an obstetrician and prescribing physician for individualized risk-benefit assessment. |
| breastfeeding safety | Ertapenem can be excreted into breast milk. While levels are generally low, potential risks to the infant should be considered. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. |
| side effects | | 1 | Diarrhea | | 2 | Nausea | | 3 | Vomiting | | 4 | Headache | | 5 | Abdominal pain | | 6 | Phlebitis (at injection site) | | 7 | Infusion reactions (e.g., fever, chills, rash) | | 8 | Seizures (especially in patients with a history of seizure disorders or renal impairment) | | 9 | Superinfections (e.g., candidiasis, other fungal or bacterial infections) | | 10 | Elevated liver enzymes |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to carbapenems or any component of the formulation | | 2 | Severe renal impairment requiring dialysis |
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| interactions | Ertapenem may interact with certain medications, including aminoglycosides, potentially increasing nephrotoxicity risk. Consult the prescribing physician for detailed interaction assessments. |
| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor for signs of superinfections and adjust therapy as needed. | | 2 | Monitor kidney function (creatinine clearance) during treatment, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. | | 3 | Exercise caution in patients with a history of seizures. | | 4 | Administer slowly and carefully to avoid infusion reactions. | | 5 | Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to ertapenem or other carbapenems. Closely monitor these patients if ertapenem is deemed necessary. |
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| additional information | Ertapenem is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Administer intravenously or intramuscularly; do not administer orally. Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with severe renal impairment, liver dysfunction, or other specific medical conditions. Individualized dosage considerations should be discussed with the prescribing physician. |
| patient specific details | |
