Ertapenem is an antibiotic medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration. It was initially approved on July 17, 2001, for treating various bacterial infections.

Ertapenem helps to treat various bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. It also treats skin, lung, urine, and gynecological infections. Mostly, it can be used during the prevention of surgical site infections.

Ertapenem will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered as an intravenous injection into a vein. Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Ertapenem are infusion site reaction, rash, dizziness, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), breathlessness, headache, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Some serious side effects also include fainting, muscle cramp, bowel incontinence, and difficulty in swallowing.

Ertapenem is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to other beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins or cephalosporins. This drug should be used cautiously or avoided. Also, it can reduce the serum concentrations of valproic acid, a medication used to treat seizures and certain mental health conditions. It can lead to decreased effectiveness of valproic acid. If you take valproic acid, your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dose or consider alternative treatments. This medicine use has been associated with developing Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and colitis, severe antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

If you experience severe or bloody stools while taking this injection, it is important to inform your doctor. Before taking Ertapenem, discussing your medical history with your doctor is necessary. Inform them if you have allergic conditions, kidney disease, or if you are on a salt-controlled diet. These factors may require special consideration or monitoring during treatment. If you suspect pregnancy or plan to have a baby, inform your doctor about all the medications you have been taking recently, including herbal and supplements.

Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It is important to use this drug only as prescribed and directed by your physician. Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your improvement and discuss any doubts or queries you may have regarding your treatment with Ertapenem. 

While this drug is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some individuals. If you get serious side effects, like severe diarrhea, rash, or difficulty breathing, notify your doctor immediately. It is highly advised not to skip the dose schedules as it may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the chance of bacteria developing resistance. It is generally suggested to complete the full treatment schedule as your doctor prescribes.

1. Merck Sharp & Dohme (UK) Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on April 2021] [ Accessed on 30th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1713.pdf
2. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Feb 2012] [Accessed on 30th May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021337s038lbl.pdf
3. Blaise L Congeni; Ertapenem; Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy; Published on March 2010; [Accessed on 30th May 2023], https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20163277/
4. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Chemotherapy of Microbial Diseases, 12th edition, 2011, 1500.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.