Products
Ertapenem is commercially available as a lyophylisate for the preparation of an infusion solution (Invanz). It has been approved in many countries since 2003.
Structure and properties
Ertapenem (C22H25N3O7S, Mr = 475.5 g/mol) is present in drugs as ertapenem sodium, a white, hygroscopic, weakly crystalline powder that is soluble in water. It is a 1-β-methylcarbapenem.
Effects
Ertapenem (ATC J01DH03) has bactericidal properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins. Ertapenem is stable to many beta-lactamases and has a comparatively long half-life of about four hours.
Indications
For treatment of selected bacterial infectious diseases with susceptible pathogens.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as an intravenous infusion.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity, including to other beta-lactam antibiotics.
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Ertapenem is actively secreted on the kidney, so an interaction with probenecid is possible. Another interaction has been described with valproic acid.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include rash, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, infusion site reactions, phlebitis, and headache.
