What is Ertapenem?
Ertapenem, an antibacterial, is used for treating severe infections that are caused by bacteria. This includes skin, lung, bladder, stomach, and pelvic infectionsErtapenem can also be used to treat infections after certain kinds of surgeries.Ertapenem can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Ertapenem
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
Ertapenem may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A seizure (convulsions);
severe abdominal pain bloody or watery diarrhea (even months after the last dose)
Side effects that are common include:
- Nausea, vomiting;
diarrhea; - Headache
- Pain or swelling where the injection is given.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Azithromycin, Metronidazole, and Clindamycin
Warnings
Do not use it other than as prescribed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if there is a medical condition or allergy.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to ertapenem, or certain antibiotics in particular,
- Meropenem;
- Imipenem;
- Any type of cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cephalexin, keflex omnicef, and others)
- Penicillin and similar antibiotics
If you have an allergy to a numbing medication such as Lidocaine or Novocaine, then it is not recommended that you inject Ertapenem.
If you've ever:
- Kidney disease
- Epilepsy, or any other seizure disorder
- A head injury or brain tumor.
Inform your doctor whether you are breastfeeding or pregnant.Children younger than three months of age should not be given this product.
How to take Ertapenem?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label.Ertapenem can be injected directly into the muscle or vein.Please read and adhere to all instructions for use. If you have any queries, contact either your pharmacist or doctor immediately.Only prepare an injection when you're ready to administer it. If the medication is cloudy, looks different, or contains particles, call your pharmacist.Make sure that you know how to mix the medicine properly with liquids (diluents) and where to store it. Only use the liquid diluent that your pharmacist or doctor has prescribed.Before measuring a dosage, shake the mixture thoroughly.Continue to use this medication even if you notice a rapid improvement in your symptoms. If you skip doses, your infection could become resistant to the medication. Ertapenem does not work on a virus, such as influenza or the common flu.
This medicine should not be shared with anyone else, even if the other person has similar symptoms.Keep powders unmixed at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.The mixture of Ertapenem for muscle injection should be administered within one hour.The diluted and mixed Ertapenem for injecting into veins can be kept at room temperature for 6 hours or in the refrigerator for 24 hours. The mixture should be used within four hours of removing it from the refrigerator.Never reuse a syringe or needle. Put them into a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof and follows local or state laws. Avoid putting them in the reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take a dosage, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
Ask your doctor before taking any anti-diarrhea medication. Diarrhea can be an indication of a serious infection.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all other medications, including:
- Divalproex;
- Valproic acid;
The list below is not exhaustive. Ertapenem may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
