Ertapenem

C. diff Risk

Medium

Oral Bioavailability

NA

Approximate Cost

$$$$$

Dosing

15 mg/kg, IV, q12hr(s), infuse over 30 minutes.

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

General Information

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

Renal and hepatic function

CBC

Adverse Effects

  • Immediate and delayed-type allergy

  • GI disturbance

  • Cytopenias, eosinophilia, positive Coombs

  • Liver enzyme abnormalities

Major Interactions

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

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%)