Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Alberta Children's Hospital

Ertapenem

C. diff Risk

Medium

Oral Bioavailability

NA

Approximate Cost

$50/day

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

Renal

Renally cleared, requires dosage adjustment with changes in renal function. Consult a pharmacist for renal dosing.

Neonatal

Safety and efficacy of ertapenem in neonates have not been established, therefore dosages are not available.

General Pediatric

12 years & up: IM/IV 1000mg/DAY given as a single daily dose. Max: 1000mg/DAY.

3 months-12 years: IM/IV 30 mg/kg/DAY divided q12h

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

Targeted therapy of ESBL infections and other resistant gram negative infections

Empiric therapy when broad spectrum of carbapenems is desired without the need for anti-pseudomonal activity

Drug Monitoring

Drug Monitoring

renal and hepatic function, CBC

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

  • Immediate and delayed-type allergy

  • GI disturbance

  • Cytopenias, eosinophilia, positive Coombs

  • Liver enzyme abnormalities

Major Interactions

Major Interactions

Valproic acid - carbapenems decrease valproate levels and may decrease seizure threshold.

Additional Information

Additional Information

ID consult recommended.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: Carbapenem

Average serum half life:

  • Infants 3 months and older, and children: 2.5hrs

  • Adolescents and Adults: 4 hrs

Route of Elimination:

  • Non-CYP-mediated hydrolysis to inactive metabolite.

  • Urine (80%(38% as unchanged drug)) and feces (10%)