Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for IWK Health Centre

Ertapenem

C. diff Risk

Medium

Oral Bioavailability

NA

Approximate Cost

$50/day

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

General Pediatric

Greater than 12 Years1 g IV q24h

3 Months to 12 Years15 mg/kg/dose IV q12h
Maximum:500 mg/dose

Renal

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

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 Function

  • Hepatic function

  • CBC

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

  • Immediate and delayed-type allergy

  • GI disturbance

  • Cytopenias, eosinophilia, positive Coombs

  • Liver enzyme abnormalities

Additional Information

Additional Information

ID consult recommended. Doesn't reliably penetrate CNS therefore not recommended for meningitis.

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%)