A carbapenem antibiotic given by injection
Ertapenem
A carbapenem antibiotic given by injection to treat serious bacterial infections.
What is Ertapenem?
Ertapenem is a strong antibiotic from the carbapenem group, given by injection into a vein or muscle to treat serious bacterial infections such as severe abdominal, skin, lung or gynaecological infections. It works by killing bacteria, and is usually used in or arranged by hospital. Important safety points are a possible cross-reaction in people allergic to penicillin, a risk of seizures that comes with carbapenem antibiotics, and the chance of C. difficile, a gut infection that causes diarrhoea after antibiotics. It is used for a defined course under medical supervision.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Ertapenem — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Ertapenem is a powerful antibiotic belonging to the carbapenem group, which is usually kept for serious infections, including some caused by bacteria that other antibiotics cannot treat. It is given by injection into a vein or sometimes into a muscle, generally in hospital or through hospital-arranged treatment at home. It is used for serious infections such as those in the abdomen, skin, lungs or gynaecological area. Because carbapenems are valuable and powerful, ertapenem is used carefully for the right infections, for a set course, to treat the infection while limiting resistance.
How it works
Ertapenem kills bacteria by stopping them building their cell walls, the outer structure they need to survive. Without a working wall the bacteria break apart and die, clearing the infection. It is effective against a broad range of bacteria, including some that resist other antibiotics, which is why it is reserved for serious infections. Because it is given by injection, it reaches high levels in the blood and tissues quickly. As with all antibiotics, it works only against bacteria, not viruses, and is used for a full course so the infection is properly cleared.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A strong antibiotic given by injection for serious infections, usually in hospital or under hospital arrangement.
Practical use
How to take Ertapenem
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given by injection into a vein or muscle by a healthcare professional, often in hospital or through hospital-arranged care.
- Tell the team before treatment about any allergy to penicillin or other antibiotics, as a cross-reaction is possible.
- Complete the full course you are prescribed, even once you feel better, to clear the infection and limit resistance.
- Report any severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea promptly, as it can be a sign of a gut infection called C. difficile.
- Tell the team about any history of fits or kidney problems, as these affect how it is used.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Ertapenem
Advantages
- A strong antibiotic effective against a broad range of serious bacterial infections, including some resistant ones.
- Often given once a day, which can suit hospital-arranged treatment at home.
- Reaches high levels quickly because it is given by injection.
Disadvantages
- Can cause an allergic reaction, with a possible cross-reaction in people allergic to penicillin.
- Carries a risk of seizures, as carbapenem antibiotics do, especially with kidney problems or a history of fits.
- Like other broad antibiotics, can lead to C. difficile, a gut infection causing diarrhoea.
Practical use
Good to know
A few important points stand out with ertapenem. First, people who are allergic to penicillin can sometimes react to carbapenems too, so any penicillin or other antibiotic allergy must be made clear before it is given. Second, carbapenem antibiotics carry a risk of seizures (fits), especially in people with kidney problems or a history of fits, so the team is alert to this. Third, like other broad antibiotics, it can disturb the gut's normal bacteria and lead to C. difficile, an infection that causes diarrhoea during or after antibiotics; any severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea should be reported promptly. It is given for a defined course, and finishing the course as advised helps clear the infection fully and limit resistance.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to ertapenem or other carbapenems should not be given it.
- It is used with great care, or avoided, in people with a known severe penicillin allergy, because of possible cross-reaction.
- It is used with caution in people with kidney problems or a history of seizures, under medical supervision.
Monitoring
- Checking the infection is responding and reviewing the length of the course.
- Watching for severe diarrhoea that could be C. difficile, and for any allergic reaction or seizures.
- Checking kidney function where appropriate, as this affects how it is used.
Side effects
- Diarrhoea, feeling sick or reactions at the injection site.
- Headache or a rash in some people.
- Less commonly but importantly, seizures, severe allergic reactions, or C. difficile diarrhoea, which need prompt attention.
Key interactions
- It can lower the levels of the epilepsy medicine valproate, which may make seizures more likely, so this combination is usually avoided.
- Tell the team about all your medicines, as some may need review during treatment.
- Other medicines affecting the kidneys may be relevant, as the kidneys handle ertapenem.
Available as: A powder made up into a solution for injection into a vein or muscle.
Answers
Ertapenem: frequently asked questions
What is ertapenem used for?
It is a strong carbapenem antibiotic given by injection for serious bacterial infections, such as severe abdominal, skin, lung or gynaecological infections.
I am allergic to penicillin, can I have it?
People allergic to penicillin can sometimes react to carbapenems too, so tell the team about your allergy; they will decide whether it is safe.
Can it cause seizures?
Carbapenem antibiotics carry a risk of seizures, especially in people with kidney problems or a history of fits, so the team is alert to this.
Why might I get diarrhoea?
Like other broad antibiotics, it can disturb the gut and lead to C. difficile; report any severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea promptly.
Why do I need to finish the course?
Completing the full course helps clear the infection properly and reduces the chance of bacteria becoming resistant.
The wider class
About Carbapenem antibiotic
Ertapenem belongs to the carbapenem antibiotic class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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