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.