Ertapenem

Pronounced er-tah-PEN-em

Brand names: Invanz

Type: Carbapenem antibiotic · All Antibiotics & Infection Medicines

What Ertapenem is used for

  • Abdominal and pelvic infections
  • Diabetic foot infections
  • Pneumonia (hospital or home infusion)

◆ Kidney note

Dose is lowered when kidney function is significantly reduced.

Common side effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Pain at injection sites
  • Headache

Important cautions

  • Does not cover Pseudomonas bacteria, so it is not chosen for every hospital infection
  • People with a serious penicillin allergy should discuss alternatives

How it comes

Injection (hospital or clinic). This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Related medicines — Antibiotics & Infection Medicines

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.