Ertapenem is an antibiotic to treat bacterial infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, to infections of the abdominal organs.intra-abdominal). In addition, this drug is also used to prevent postoperative infections.
Ertapenem belongs to the carbapenem class of antibiotics. This drug will kill bacteria by inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell walls. This drug is available in the form of injections that will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Keep in mind that this drug cannot be used to treat viral infections, such as the flu.
Trademark ertapenem: Invanz
What is Ertapenem
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Carbapenem antibiotics |
| Benefit | Overcoming bacterial infections |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Ertapenem for pregnant and lactating women | Category B:Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Ertapenem can be absorbed into breast milk, should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Ertapenem
The following are some things you should pay attention to before using ertapenem:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Ertapenem should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug, to local injectable anesthetics, such as lidocaine, or have had an anaphylactic reaction to beta-lactam drugs, such as cephalosporins or penicillins.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, seizures, epilepsy, brain tumor, head injury, or colitis.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to vaccinate, especially with a live vaccine, such as the typhoid vaccine, while you are taking ertapenem.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after using ertapenem.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Ertapenem
The dose of ertapenem for adults and children is determined based on the condition to be treated. Here are general ertapenem dosages:
Condition: Pneumonia, infections of the inside of the abdomen (intra-abdominal), infections of the skin and skin structures, or urinary tract infections
- Mature: 1 gram as a single dose is injected into a muscle (intramuscular/IM) or into a vein (intravenous/IV) over 30 minutes. The duration of treatment is up to 14 days.
- Children aged 3 months–13 years: 15 mg/kg, 2 times a day, the maximum dose is 1 gram per day.
Condition: Prevention of postoperative infection
- Mature: 1 gram injected into a vein (intravenous / IV), 1 hour before surgery.
How to Use Ertapenem Correctly
Ertapenem injectable form will be given directly at the hospital by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. Follow the doctor's advice and directions before, during, and after the injection of the drug.
This drug can be injected into a vein (intravenous/IV), injected into a muscle (intramuscular/IM), or given through an IV. The method of drug administration will be adjusted to the patient's condition and the patient's body response to treatment.
During treatment with ertapenem, you will be asked to undergo kidney function tests, complete blood tests, and liver function tests, periodically, to monitor the response to therapy and condition.
Ertapenem Interactions with Other Drugs
Some of the interaction effects that can occur if ertapenem is used together with other drugs are:
- Decreased effectiveness of vaccines containing attenuated bacteria, such as BCG vaccine, cholera vaccine, or typhoid vaccine
- Increased risk of seizures when used with valproic acid, iopamidol, bupropion, metrizamide, tramadol, iohexol, or divalproex sodium
- Increased blood levels of ertapenem when used with probenecid
Ertapenem Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can appear after using ertapenem, including:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Sleep disturbances that can be in the form of difficulty sleeping or excessive sleepiness
- Dizziness or headache
- Pain, redness, or swelling around the injection site
Consult a doctor if these side effects do not go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Seizures
- Unusual tired
- Diarrhea that doesn't stop or stools that are runny or bloody
- Severe stomach pain or cramps
- Irregular or faster heartbeat
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
Long-term use of ertapenem can also increase the risk of fungal infections, such as oral candidiasis. Check with your doctor if you have thrush or white patches on your tongue or mouth.
