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Ertapenem

Information about Ertapenem

Ertapenem Uses

Ertapenem is used in the treatment of bacterial infections, severe bacterial infections and prevention of infection after surgery of the colon or rectum. It treats moderate to severe infections of abdomen, skin, lungs (pneumonia), and urinary tract. It may also be used to treat post surgical infections.

How Ertapenem works

Ertapenem is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.

Common side effects of Ertapenem

Headache, Vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhea, Rash, Dizziness, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Breathlessness, Infusion site reaction, Edema (swelling), Abdominal pain, Disorientation (alteration of mental status), Vaginal inflammation, Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Surabhi Srivastava

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Written By

Dr. Sakshi Sharma

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MBA, MD Pharmacology

Written By

Dr. Love Sharma

PhD (Pharmacology), PGDPRA

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Love Sharma

PhD (Pharmacology), PGDPRA

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Love Sharma

PhD (Pharmacology), PGDPRA

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Last updated

20 Feb 2025 | 05:47 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Ertapenem

GertaZydus Cadila

₹43511 variant(s)

AlertaAlkem Laboratories Ltd

₹32001 variant(s)

LyortamUnited Biotech Pvt Ltd

₹35051 variant(s)

ForstalZyphar's Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹23941 variant(s)

ErtamacMacleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹24001 variant(s)

InvanzMSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹33481 variant(s)

ErtaforFortune Labs

₹26001 variant(s)

ErtaficGufic Bioscience Ltd

₹42391 variant(s)

ErapApkavit Lifesciences

₹26001 variant(s)

ErtacosOscar Remedies Pvt Ltd

₹36001 variant(s)

Expert advice for Ertapenem

Ertapenem is an antibiotic that's usually only given in the hospital for serious infections.
It is given by a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) over 20 to 60 minutes.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or if you are taking any seizure medication before starting treatment with this medication.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Inform your doctor if you develop severe stomach pain or if you find blood in your stools.
Your doctor may monitor your liver and kidney function while you are having treatment with this medication.
Ertapenem is an antibiotic that's usually only given in the hospital for serious infections.
It is given by a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) over 20 to 60 minutes.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or if you are taking any seizure medication before starting treatment with this medication.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Inform your doctor if you develop severe stomach pain or if you find blood in your stools.
Your doctor may monitor your liver and kidney function while you are having treatment with this medication.

Frequently asked questions for Ertapenem

Ertapenem

Q. What if I cannot tolerate Ertapenem?

It is common to have minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache but generally these settle down. If these symptoms trouble you, contact your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine to help you get rid of these symptoms. Serious side effects occur in very rare cases. But, if you experience any serious complication, seek immediate medical advice.

Q. What is drug resistance? Is it possible to develop resistance to Ertapenem?

Drug resistance is a condition in which the bacteria gets modified in your body and stops reacting to the medicine. Because of this, the medicine stops working. Resistance to Ertapenem is not very common at least for the bacteria against which it works.

Q. Does Ertapenem have any effect on blood sugar levels if taken to treat infections of diabetic foot?

Rare reports suggest that Ertapenem may decrease the blood sugar levels, but this medicine does not affect the blood sugar levels in everyone. However, it is important to keep monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly. Consult your doctor if you experience any sudden dip in blood sugar levels.

Q. Is Ertapenem safe to be used in children?

Safety of Ertapenem in children less than 3 months of age has not yet been assessed. However, the side effects and effectivity of Ertapenem in children beyond the age of 3 months is almost similar when compared with adults.

Q. I feel better now. Can I stop taking Ertapenem?

No. Make sure to receive all doses your doctor has prescribed, even if you feel better. This is because your symptoms may have improved but chances are that the infection is still present in your body. Skipping doses can increase the risk of developing an infection that is resistant to medication. So, continue taking Ertapenem as prescribed. After you have finished all the doses, your doctor may advise you on some tests to make sure your infection has completely cleared up.