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Ertapenem

Ertapenem is a brand of Ertapenem.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Ertapenem for Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Ertapene.

Checked against the official label · Updated

Prescription medicine Intramuscular

How to use Ertapenem

What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.

Who it is for

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Ertapenem for Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Ertapenem for Injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy. …

How to take it and how often
  • Do not mix or co-infuse Ertapenem for Injection with other medications
  • Do not use diluents containing dextrose (α–D–glucose)
  • Ertapenem for Injection should be infused over 30 minutes in both the Treatment and Prophylactic regimens
  • Dosing considerations should be made
  • In adults with advanced or end-stage renal impairment and those on hemodialysis
  • Treatment regimen: • Adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older. The dosage should be 1 gram once a day intravenously or intramuscularly. • Patients 3 months to 12 years of age should be administered 15 mg/kg twice daily (not to exceed 1 g/day intravenously or intramuscularly.) • Intravenous infusion may be administered
  • In adults and pediatrics for up to 14 days or intramuscular injection for up to 7 days
  • Prophylaxis regimen for adults: • 1 gram single dose given 1 hour prior to elective colorectal surgery
  • Instructions for Use in All Patients For Intravenous or Intramuscular Use DO NOT MIX OR CO-INFUSE ERTAPENEM FOR INJECTION WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS
  • DO NOT USE DILUENTS CONTAINING DEXTROSE (α-D-GLUCOSE)
  • Ertapenem for Injection may be administered by intravenous infusion for up to 14 days or intramuscular injection for up to 7 days
  • When administered intravenously, Ertapenem for Injection should be infused over a period of 30 minutes
  • Intramuscular administration of Ertapenem for Injection may be used as an alternative to intravenous administration in the treatment of those infections for which intramuscular therapy is appropriate. …
Strengths it comes in

Vials Ertapenem for Injection is a sterile lyophilized powder in a vial containing 1.046 g ertapenem sodium equivalent to 1 g ertapenem for intravenous infusion or for intramuscular injection. • Vial 1 gram. ( 3 )

Children
  • Safety and effectiveness of Ertapenem for Injection
  • In pediatric patients 3 months to 17 years of age are supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials
  • In adults, pharmacokinetic data
  • In pediatric patients, and additional data from comparator-controlled trials
  • In pediatric patients 3 months to 17 years of age [see Indications and Usage , , , and and Clinical Studies ]
  • Ertapenem for Injection is not recommended in infants under 3 months of age as no data are available. …
Older adults

Of the 1,835 patients in Phase 2b/3 trials treated with Ertapenem for Injection, approximately 26 percent were 65 and over, while approximately 12 percent were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. …

While you are taking it
  • Instructions for Patients Patients should be advised that allergic reactions, including serious allergic reactions could occur and that serious reactions may require immediate treatment
  • Advise patients to report any previous hypersensitivity reactions to Ertapenem for Injection, other beta-lactams or other allergens
  • Patients should be counseled to inform their physician if they are taking valproic acid or divalproex sodium
  • Valproic acid concentrations in the blood may drop below the therapeutic range upon co-administration with Ertapenem for Injection. …
Talk to a doctor first if

• Ertapenem for Injection is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta-lactams. • Due to the use of lidocaine HCl as a diluent, Ertapenem for Injection administered intramuscularly is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type. …

Medicines it may not mix with

• Co-administration with probenecid inhibits the renal excretion of ertapenem and is therefore not recommended. ( 7.1 ) • The concomitant use of ertapenem and valproic acid/divalproex sodium is generally not recommended. Anti-bacterials other than carbapenems should be considered to treat infections in patients whose seizures are well controlled on valproic acid or divalproex sodium. ( 5.2 , 7.2 ) 7.1 Probenecid Probenecid interferes with the active tubular secretion of ertapenem, resulting in increased plasma concentrations of ertapenem [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Co-administration of probenecid with ertapenem is not recommended. …

Warnings

• Serious hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving β-lactams. ( 5.1 ) • Seizures and other central nervous system adverse experiences have been reported during treatment. ( 5.2 ) • Co-administration of Ertapenem for Injection with valproic acid or divalproex sodium reduces the serum concentration of valproic acid potentially increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. ( 5.3 ) • Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhea (ranging from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis): Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.4 ) • Caution should be taken when administering Ertapenem for Injection intramuscularly to avoid inadvertent injection into a blood vessel. …

Possible side effects

The following are described in greater detail in the Warnings and Precautions section. • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Seizure Potential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Interaction with Valproic Acid [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Clostridium difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Caution with Intramuscular Administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Laboratory Tests [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Adults: The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients treated with Ertapenem for Injection, including t …

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from a small number of postmarketing cases with Ertapenem for Injection use in pregnancy are insufficient to inform any drug-associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. …

If you take too much

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage with Ertapenem for Injection. Intentional overdosing of Ertapenem for Injection is unlikely. Intravenous administration of Ertapenem for Injection at a dose of 2 g over 30 min or 3 g over 1 to 2h in healthy adult volunteers resulted in an increased incidence of nausea. In clinical trials in adults, inadvertent administration of three 1 g doses of Ertapenem for Injection in a 24 hour period resulted in diarrhea and transient dizziness in one patient. …

How to store it

Before reconstitution Do not store lyophilized powder above 25°C (77°F). Reconstituted and infusion solutions The reconstituted solution, immediately diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ], may be stored at r …

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.

From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2024-11-06.

Same medicine, other brands

Products with Ertapenem as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.

Check your pack of Ertapenem

Type the registration number on the pack, or scan it with your camera.

Or take photos of the pack
3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · Health Canada · WHO alerts

Questions about Ertapenem

What is in Ertapenem?

Ertapenem contains Ertapenem. Other brands with the same active ingredient work the same way; the dose and strength on your pack are what matter.

What is Ertapenem used for?

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Ertapenem for Injection and other antibacterial drugs, Ertapenem for Injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial th (From the official U.S. FDA label.)

How do I take Ertapenem?

Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: Do not mix or co-infuse Ertapenem for Injection with other medications. Do not use diluents containing dextrose (α–D–glucose) . ( 2.1 ) Ertapenem for Injection should be infused over 30 minutes in both the Treatment and Prophylactic regimens. ( 2.1 ) Dosing considerations should be made in adults with advanced or end-stage renal impairment and those on hemodialysis. ( 2.4 , 2.5…

Do I need a prescription for Ertapenem?

Usually yes. Ertapenem is a prescription medicine in most countries. Rules differ by country.

What brands contain Ertapenem?

Ertapenem is sold under names such as Invanz. Brand names differ between countries.

What are the side effects of Ertapenem?

The official label lists: The following are described in greater detail in the Warnings and Precautions section. • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Seizure Potential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Interaction with Valproic Acid [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Clostridium difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Cauti… Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

Can children take Ertapenem?

Safety and effectiveness of Ertapenem for Injection in pediatric patients 3 months to 17 years of age are supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials in adults, pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients, and additional data from comparator-controlled trials in pediatric patients 3 months to 17 years of age [see Indications and Usage ( 1.1 ), ( 1.2 ), ( 1.3 )… Always use the dose for the child's age or weight on the pack or prescription.

Can I take Ertapenem when pregnant or breastfeeding?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from a small number of postmarketing cases with Ertapenem for Injection use in pregnancy are insufficient to inform any drug-associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. … Ask your doctor or midwife first.

What medicines interact with Ertapenem?

• Co-administration with probenecid inhibits the renal excretion of ertapenem and is therefore not recommended. ( 7.1 ) • The concomitant use of ertapenem and valproic acid/divalproex sodium is generally not recommended. Anti-bacterials other than carbapenems should be considered to treat infections in patients whose seizures are well controlled on valproic acid or divalproex s… Use the free interaction checker before combining medicines.

What happens if I take too much Ertapenem?

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage with Ertapenem for Injection. Intentional overdosing of Ertapenem for Injection is unlikely. Intravenous administration of Ertapenem for Injection at a dose of 2 g over 30 min or 3 g over 1 to 2h in healthy adult volunteers resulted… Get medical help right away.

How should I store Ertapenem?

Before reconstitution Do not store lyophilized powder above 25°C (77°F). Reconstituted and infusion solutions The reconstituted solution, immediately diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ], may be stored at r…

How can I check that my Ertapenem is genuine?

Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.

Sources

This page shows what official sources say, in plain words. It is not medical advice: your prescription and your doctor or pharmacist come first. Brand names, strengths and rules differ between countries.