Ertapenem

Indications

Ertapenem is used for: Intra-abdominal infections, Community-acquired pneumonia, Skin and skin structure infections, Urinary tract infections, Pyelonephritis, Surgical infections, Diabetic foot infections, Septic abortion

Adult Dose

Community-Acquired Pneumonia 1 g/day IV/IM up to 14 days; after ?3 days of parenteral therapy, may be switched to appropriate PO regimen if patient improves clinically Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (Including Pyelonephritis) 1 g/day IV/IM up to 14 days; after ?3 days of parenteral therapy, may be switched to appropriate PO regimen if patient improves clinically Acute Pelvic Infections 1 g/day IV/IM for 3-10 days Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections 1 g/day IV/IM for 5-14 days Complicated Skin/Skin Structure Infections 1 g/day IV/IM for 7-14 days; may be continued up to 4 weeks for diabetic foot infections, depending on severity of infection and response to therapy (treatment excludes diabetic foot infections with osteomyelitis)

Child Dose

Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (Including Pyelonephritis) 3-12 years: 15 mg/kg IV/IM q12hr up to 14 days; not to exceed 1 g q12hr; after ?3 days of parenteral therapy, may be switched to appropriate PO regimen if patient improves clinically >12 years: 1 g/day IV/IM up to 14 days; after ?3 days of parenteral therapy, may be switched to appropriate PO regimen if patient improves clinically Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections, Complicated Skin/Skin Structure Infections 3-12 years: 15 mg IV/IM q12hr for 7-14 days >12 years: 1 g/day IV/IM for 7-14 days <3 years: Safety and efficacy not established

Renal Dose

Renal impairment CrCl >30 mL/min/1.73 m²: Dosage adjustment not necessary CrCl <30 mL/min/1.73 m² and end-stage renal disease (ESRD): 500 mg/day IV Dialysis: 500 mg/day IV; if given ?6 hr before dialysis, supplemental dose of 150 mg afterward

Administration

IV Preparation Reconstitute 1 g vial with 10 mL SWI, NS, or BWI; shake well; transfer to 50 mL NS IV Administration Infuse over 30 minutes IM Preparation Reconstitute 1 g vial with 3.2 mL of 1% lidocaine injection (without epinephrine); shake well; use within 1 hour after preparation IM Administration Make sure patient does not have allergy to lidocaine or another amide anesthetic Administer by deep IM injection into large muscle mass (eg, gluteal muscle or lateral part of thigh) Do not administer IM preparation or drug reconstituted for IM administration IV

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity; lactation.

Precautions

Hypersensitivity to penicillins, cephalosporins or other beta-lactams (possibility of cross-sensitivity). Renal impairment; CNS disorders e.g. epilepsy. Pregnancy. Lactation: Drug distributed in breast milk; use with caution

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

May decrease plasma levels of valproic acid thus, increasing the risk of seizures. Increased plasma concentrations w/ probenecid.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Ertapenem : >10% Diarrhea (2-12%) 1-10% Elevated liver function tests (LFTs) (7-9%),Nausea (6-9%),Headache (6-7%),Infused vein complications (5-7%),Increased platelet count (4-7%),Increased alkaline phosphatase (4-7%),Altered mental status (3-5%),Fever (2-5%),Abdominal pain (4%),Vomiting (4%),Constipation (3-4%),Insomnia (3%),Swelling or edema (3%),Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome) (2-3%),Rash (2-3%),Vaginitis (1-3%),Dizziness (2%),Phlebitis or thrombophlebitis (1.5-2%),Pruritus (1-2%),Tachycardia (1-2%),Acid regurgitation (1-2%),Eosinophilia (1-2%),Hypotension (1-2%),Erythema (1-2%),Hypertension (0.7-2%),Chest pain (1%),Dyspepsia (1%),Fatigue (1%),Anxiety (0.8-1%),Oral candidiasis (0.1-1%) Potentially Fatal: Pseudomembranous colitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Mechanism of Action

Ertapenem acts similarly to penicillins by bacterial cell wall inhibition. It is active against many gram-negative and aerobic and anaerobic organisms. It is stable to hydrolysis by beta-lactamases.