Ertapenem

Ertapenem is a β-lactam antibiotic from the group of carbapenems.

Carbapenems are antibacterial agents (broad-spectrum antibiotics, reserve antibiotics), which are characterized by a broad anti-catabolic spectrum of activity in the Gram-positive and Gram-negative range. They belong to the reserve antibiotics and are approved for the treatment of severe infections in hospital patients. Carbapenems are not absorbed orally and must be administered parenterally.

Ertapenem is a fast acting bactericide. The substance is stable against almost all betalactamases.

Ertapenem is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as against some anaerobes. Ertapenem is ineffective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus. In general, Meropenem and Ertapenem are somewhat more effective in the gram negative range than Imipenem.

Ertapenem is administered parenterally. The substance is approved for adults and children from the age of 3 months. Indications for approval: Treatment of infections in the abdominal cavity, pneumonia acquired on an outpatient basis as well as gynaecological infections and infections of the foot in diabetics.

Ertapenem is generally well tolerated. The side effects are largely similar to those of penicillins and cephalosporins.

Gastrointestinal UAWs:

• diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,

Dermatological UAWs:

• Phlebitides at the injection site
• Exantheme
• Pruritus

Trade names: Invanz® (EU, CH)

1. Nesher L et al (2015) Ertapenem usage in cancer patients with and without neutropenia: a report on 97 cases from a comprehensive cancer center. Infection 43:545-550.
2. Urbánek K et al. (2013) Pharmacological characteristics of ertapenem. Clin Microbiol Infecc Lek. 19:8-10