Ertapenem

It is a carbepenem antibiotic effective against Gram negative and Gram Positive bacteria. It also has clinically useful activity against anaerobic bacteria.

Indications

Complicated Intra-abdominal infections, Comlicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections without osteomyelitis, Community Acquired Pnemonia due to Streptococcus penumoniae, Complicated Urinary Tract Infection including pyelonephritis, Acute Pelvic Infections including postpartum endomyometritis,septic abortion and post surgical gynecologic infections, in adults for the prophylaxis of surgical site infection following elective colorectal surgery.

Dosage

1 g given by intravenous injection over 30 minutes, once a day. In child patient 3 months to 12 years of age the recommended dose is 15mg/kg twice daily.

Contra-Indications

Previous anaphylactic reactions to ertapenem or other b-lactam antibiotic

Special Precautions

It is not recommended for children uder 3 months of age and children with meningitis. Do not mix or co-infuse with other medication. Do not use diluents containing Dextrose (a-D-Glucose)

Side Effects

Diarrhea, infused vein complication, nausea, headache, vaginitis in females.

Drug Interactions

Probenecid reduces the renal clearance of ertapenem and is not recommended for administration along with ertapenem. Ertapenem and other carbepenem have been reported to reduce the concentration of valproic acid below the therapeutic range in patients of seizure and are thus not recommended in patients of seizure.