Can Ertapenem be used to treat a cold or the flu?

No, Ertapenem is an antibacterial and only works on bacterial infections, not viral infections like the cold or flu.

What should I do if I have a history of allergies to penicillin?

You must tell your doctor, as Ertapenem may cause serious allergic reactions in people who are allergic to beta-lactams.

Can Ertapenem cause seizures?

Yes, seizures and other central nervous system issues have been reported during treatment with Ertapenem.

How does Ertapenem affect seizure medications like valproic acid?

Ertapenem can lower the levels of valproic acid in your blood, which might lead to breakthrough seizures.

What is C. difficile-associated diarrhea?

It is a type of diarrhea caused by a change in bacteria in the gut that can range from mild to life-threatening.

Is Ertapenem safe for babies?

It can be used in pediatric patients from 3 months of age, but it is not recommended for infants under 3 months old.

Can I take Ertapenem if I have kidney problems?

Dosing may need to be adjusted for adults with kidney impairment, especially the elderly, because the drug is cleared by the kidneys.

What should I do if I experience severe diarrhea while taking Ertapenem?

You should contact your doctor immediately to check for C. difficile-associated diarrhea.

Ertapenem Sodium | CAS 153773-82-1 | ZXNAQFZBWUNWJM

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Antibacterial (Pene-class)

Ertapenem is an antibiotic used to treat moderate to severe bacterial infections in adults and children (3 months and older). It works by fighting bacteria in areas like the abdomen, skin, lungs, urinary tract, and pelvis. It can also be used in adults to prevent infections after certain surgeries.

How it worksErtapenem is a pene-class antibacterial that works by fighting various types of bacteria to stop an infection.

Brand names:Ertapenem

Used for

Complicated abdominal infectionsComplicated skin and skin structure infections (including diabetic foot infections without bone infection)Community-acquired pneumoniaComplicated urinary tract infections including kidney infections (pyelonephritis)Acute pelvic infectionsPreventing infection after elective colorectal surgery

Conditions

Complicated intra-abdominal infectionsComplicated skin and skin structure infectionsDiabetic foot infectionsCommunity-acquired pneumoniaComplicated urinary tract infectionsPyelonephritisAcute pelvic infectionsPostpartum endomyometriitisSeptic abortionPost-surgical gynecologic infectionsSurgical site infection prophylaxis

Class

AntibioticPene-classCarbapenemAntibacterial (Pene-class)Integumentary (Skin)Respiratory (Lungs)Urinary (Bladder/Kidneys)Gastrointestinal (Abdomen/Pelvis)Nervous (Brain/Seizures)

How to take

FormsInjection

RoutesIntravenous (IV), Intramuscular (IM)

For adults and children 13 and older, the usual dose is 1 gram once daily. For children 3 months to 12 years old, the dose is based on weight (15 mg/kg twice daily). For preventing infection before surgery, adults receive a single 1 gram dose.

Do not mix Ertapenem with other medications. Do not use liquids containing dextrose (glucose) to dissolve it. For IV use, it must be infused over 30 minutes. If given as a muscle injection, it should not be injected into a blood vessel by mistake. For IM use, treatment usually lasts up to 7 days; for IV, up to 14 days.

Key warnings

·Serious allergic reactions can occur, especially in people allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics.
·Ertapenem may cause seizures or other central nervous system problems.
·Using Ertapenem alongside valproic acid or divalproex sodium can lower the levels of that seizure medicine in your blood, increasing the risk of seizures.
·It may cause C. difficile-associated diarrhea, which can be severe or even fatal.
·If given as a muscle injection, care must be taken to avoid accidentally injecting it into a blood vessel.

Do not use if

·Known allergy to Ertapenem or any of its ingredients.
·Known allergy to other beta-lactam antibiotics.
·Known allergy to amide-type local anesthetics (due to the use of lidocaine in the diluent for muscle injections).

Side effects

Common

DiarrheaNauseaHeadacheComplications at the injection site

Serious

·Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
·Seizures or other nervous system issues
·C. difficile-associated diarrhea (ranging from mild to life-threatening colitis)
·Reduced effectiveness of valproic acid (seizure medication)

Seek help if

·Severe allergic reaction
·Seizures
·Severe diarrhea

Interactions

·Probenecid: This can increase the amount of Ertapenem in your blood; using them together is not recommended.
·Valproic acid or divalproex sodium: Ertapenem can lower the levels of these seizure medicines in your body, making them less effective.

Special populations

PregnancyThere is not enough information from human cases to know if Ertapenem causes major birth defects or miscarriage. Animal studies showed no major issues at certain doses, but caution is advised.

PediatricErtapenem is used in children from 3 months to 17 years old for certain infections. It is not recommended for infants under 3 months old or for treating meningitis in children.

GeriatricErtapenem has been used in elderly patients without showing major differences in safety or effectiveness compared to younger people. However, because kidney function often decreases with age and this drug is cleared by the kidneys, doctors may need to adjust the dose.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Signs of allergic reaction
·Diarrhea or bowel changes
·Seizure activity
·Kidney function

Questions to ask

·Am I allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics?
·How will Ertapenem affect my seizure medication?
·Do I need a dose adjustment for my kidney function?
·Am I allergic to lidocaine?

Pharmacokinetics

ExcretionSubstantially excreted by the kidney.

Practical

OverdoseThere is no specific treatment for an overdose. If an overdose occurs, the drug should be stopped, and supportive care should be provided until the body clears it through the kidneys.

Ingredients

Allergens

Local anesthetic (amide type)

Inactive

lidocaine HCl

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.