Ertapenem antibiotic?

Ertapenem is a carbapenem antibiotic (a beta-lactam). It’s given by injection (IV or IM) and is usually dosed once daily.

Key points:
- Brand name: Invanz (among others).
- What it covers: broad activity against many gram-positive cocci (not MRSA), many gram-negative bacilli (including E. coli, Klebsiella, some others in the Enterobacteriaceae family), and anaerobes. It does not have reliable activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Acinetobacter, and it has little or no activity against Enterococcus.
- Common uses: complicated intra-abdominal infections; complicated skin and soft-tissue infections; gynecologic infections; and sometimes community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), depending on local approvals/guidelines.
- Dosing: typically 1 g IV or IM once daily. Renal function affects dosing, so adjustments are needed for reduced kidney function.
- Important considerations:
- Allergy: cross-sensitivity with penicillins can occur.
- Drug interactions: valproic acid levels can decrease, which may provoke seizures.
- Side effects: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, injection-site reactions; risk of C. difficile with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Not ideal if MRSA is suspected or if Pseudomonas/Acinetobacter is a concern.
- Pregnancy: generally categorized as compatible if clearly needed, but discuss with a clinician.

If you’re taking ertapenem or choosing an antibiotic for an infection, tell me the infection type, your kidney function (creatinine clearance), and any drug allergies, and I can tailor the info further.