Antimicrobials
Ertapenem

Ertapenem

Restricted

Medium
N/A
IV: $$$$

General Information

Not for empiric antibiotic therapy in infants or children. May be used for complicated infections caused by ESBL organisms on the advice of ID.

EAP (Injection)

  • Immediate and delayed-type allergy
  • GI disturbance
  • Cytopenias, eosinophilia, positive Coombs
  • Liver enzyme abnormalities
  • Seizure risk lower than other carbapenems
  • Periodic renal, hepatic, and hematologic function tests
  • Neurological assessment

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

  • Ertapenem is not recommended for CNS infections due to poor CNS penetration
  • Does NOT cover Pseudomonas, Acinetobaceter, or Enterococcus