Ertapenem is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, stomach, lungs, bladder, and female genitals.
This medicine may also be used to prevent infections following colon or rectum surgery.
Ertapenem injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion or intramuscularly (into the muscles, usually into the muscles of the thigh or buttocks).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection and your response to the medication.
You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Ertapenem.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Ertapenem if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as carbapenems, penicillins, and cephalosporins.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history or risk factors for fits or seizures
- brain problems
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Culture and susceptibility tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, blood tests) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions may also be needed.
Ertapenem may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and pain, redness and swelling at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- severe diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools
- fits or seizures
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not existent)
- unusual changes in mental status including confusion, agitation, aggression, disorientation
- rashes, fever, tender or enlarged lymph nodes, swelling of the face
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- valproic acid (medicine for fits or seizures)
- probenecid (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ertapenem.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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