Ertapenem: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug Ertapenem?

What is ertapenem for?

Ertapenem is commonly used to treat various bacterial infections. Ertapenem is a carbapenem type antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

How to use ertapenem?

Ertapenem is given as an injection, usually once a day or as directed by a doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

If Ertapenem is injected into a muscle, follow the directions given to the drug company to mix it with a 1% lidocaine solution. Do not inject this drug into a vein.

If you are using Ertapenem at home, follow the procedures your medical provider has taught you. Before use, check this product if Ertapenem contains particles or is discolored, or the packaging is cracked or damaged, do not use it.

Antibiotics are most effective when the drug levels in the body are at a constant level. Use this medication at equal intervals.

Continue using this medication until the prescribed treatment period is over, even if symptoms have disappeared after a few days. Stopping using the drug too early can cause bacteria to grow back and the infection to recur.

Tell the doctor if the condition does not improve or gets worse.

How to store ertapenem?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Rules of Use Ertapenem

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of ertapenem for adults?

The usual adult dosage for intraabdominal infections

Complications: 1 gram IV or IM once daily for 5 to 14 days

The usual adult dosage for pelvic infections

1 gram IV or IM once daily for 3 to 10 days

The usual adult dosage for pneumonia

Community-acquired: 1 gram IV or IM once a day

The recommended total duration of antibiotic treatment is 10 to 14 days, including the possibility of conversion to oral therapy, at least 3 days of parenteral therapy and after improvement of the medical condition.

The usual adult dosage for pyelonephritis

1 gram IV or IM once daily

The recommended total duration of antibiotic treatment is 10 to 14 days, including the possibility of conversion to oral therapy, at least 3 days of parenteral therapy and after improvement of the medical condition.

The usual adult dosage is for skin or soft tissue infections

Complications: 1 gram IV or IM once daily for 7 to 14 days

The recommended total duration of antibiotic treatment for diabetic foot infection without osteomyelitis is up to 28 days, including possible conversion to oral therapy.

The usual adult dosage for urinary tract infections

1 gram IV or IM once daily

The recommended total duration of antibiotic treatment is 10 to 14 days, including the possibility of conversion to oral therapy, at least 3 days of parenteral therapy and after improvement of the medical condition.

The usual adult dose for prophylaxis infection

Prophylaxis in surgical area infection following elective colorectal surgery: 1 gram IV once, one hour before surgical incision

What is the dose of ertapenem for children?

Common pediatric dosage for intraabdominal infections

Infection complications:

3 months to 12 years: 15 mg / kg IV or IM every 12 hours

Maximum dose: 1g / day

13 years and over: 1 gram IV or IM once daily

Duration: 5 to 14 days

Common pediatric dosage for pelvic infections

3 months to 12 years: 15 mg / kg IV or IM every 12 hours

Maximum dose: 1g / day

13 years and over: 1 gram IV or IM once daily

Duration: 3 to 10 days

Common pediatric dosage for pneumonia

Community-acquired:

3 months to 12 years: 15 mg / kg IV or IM every 12 hours

Maximum dose: 1g / day

13 years and over: 1 gram IV or IM once daily

Duration: 10 to 14 days

Common pediatric dosage for pyelonephritis

3 months to 12 years: 15 mg / kg IV or IM every 12 hours

Maximum dose: 1g / day

13 years and over: 1 gram IV or IM once daily

Duration: 10 to 14 days

Common pediatric dosage for skin or soft tissue infections

Complications:

3 months to 12 years: 15 mg / kg IV or IM every 12 hours

Maximum dose: 1g / day

13 years and over: 1 gram IV or IM once daily

Duration: 7 to 14 days

Common pediatric dosage for urinary tract infections

Complications:

3 months to 12 years: 15 mg / kg IV or IM every 12 hours

Maximum dose: 1g / day

13 years and over: 1 gram IV or IM once daily

Duration: 10 to 14 days

In what dosage is ertapenem available?

Ertapenem is available in the following dosages.

Solution Reconstituted, Injection: 1 g

Solution Reconstituted, Intravenous: 1 g

Ertapenem dosage

What side effects can be experienced due to ertapenem?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have serious side effects, such as:

• fever
• rash, bruising, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
• loss of balance or coordination, difficulty walking
• tremors, muscle twitching and stiffness
• seizures
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody

Mild side effects include:

• mild nausea or diarrhea, constipation
• itching or discharge in the vagina
• headache
• pain, redness, mild swelling at the injection site.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Ertapenem side effects

What should be known before using ertapenem?

Before using Ertapenem injections,

• tell your doctor if you have an allergy to Ertapenem; other carbapenem antibiotics such as imipenem / cilastatin (Primaxin), doripenem (Doribax), or meropenem (Merrem); local anesthetics such as bupivacaine (Marcaine), etidocaine (Duranest), lidocaine, mepivacaine (Carbocaine, Prolocaine), or prilocaine (Citanest); cephalosporins such as cefaclor (Ceclor), cefadroxil (Duricef), or cephalexin (Keflex), other beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, Wymox), other drugs or one of the ingredients in Ertapenem. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's information for a list of ingredients
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what medicines you are currently using, including vitamins. Make sure you mention drugs such as: probenecid (Probalan) or valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote). Your doctor can change the dose of your medication and monitor your side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have had brain lesions, seizures, or kidney disease
• tell your doctor if you are or are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using Ertapenem.

Is ertapenem safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Ertapenem Drug Warnings and Cautions

What medicines may interact with ertapenem?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Valproic Acid

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Probenecid
• Tacrolimus

Can food or alcohol interact with ertapenem?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with ertapenem?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• brain disease
• diarrhea
• seizures or has a history — Use with caution. May worsen the condition.
• kidney disease — The effects of Ertapenem can be increased due to the slow removal of the drug from the body.

Ertapenem Drug Interactions

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms can include:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• dizzy

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.