Ertapenem

Ertapenem treats serious bacterial infections of the abdomen, skin, urinary tract, kidney, pelvis, and pneumonia. Can be injected into the muscle or into the vein.

Ertapenem Overview

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Ertapenem is a prescription medication used to treat serious bacterial infections of the abdomen, skin, urinary tract, kidney, pelvis, and pneumonia. Ertapenem treats diabetic foot infections and certain gynecological infections. It is also used to prevent infection following colorectal surgery. Ertapenem belongs to a group of drugs called carbapenems. These work to kill bacteria by interfering with their ability to form a cell wall. 

This medication comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected directly into a vein (IV) or muscle (IM) by a healthcare professional. It is usually given 1 to 2 times a day for up to 14 days if given in the vein (IV), or up to 7 days if given in the muscle (IM).

Common side effects of ertapenem include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and infusion site pain.

Ertapenem can also cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how ertapenem affects you.

How was your experience with Ertapenem?

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What are you taking Ertapenem for?

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  • Other
  • Abdominal Abscess
  • Bacterial Infections
  • Bacteroides Infections
  • Escherichia Coli Infections
  • Haemophilus Infections
  • Klebsiella Infections
  • Pyelonephritis
  • Respiratory Tract Infections
  • Septicemia
  • Soft Tissue Infections
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections
  • Streptococcal Infections

How long have you been taking it?

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  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Ertapenem work for you?

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Uses of Ertapenem

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Ertapenem is a prescription medication used to treat serious bacterial infections of the abdomen, skin, urinary tract, kidney, pelvis, and pneumonia. Ertapenem treats diabetic foot infections and certain gynecological infections. It is also used to prevent infection following colorectal surgery.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Ertapenem Brand Names

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Ertapenem may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Ertapenem Drug Class

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Ertapenem is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Ertapenem

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Serious side effects have been reported with ertapenem. See the "Ertapenem Precautions" section.

Common side effects of ertapenem include the following:

  • diarrhea
  • redness or swelling at the injection site
  • nausea
  • headache
  • swelling, itching, or irritation of the vagina
  • dizziness
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • vomiting

This is not a complete list of ertapenem side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.