Medicinehospital

Ertapenem

Injectable carbapenem antibiotic for moderate to severe bacterial infections.

Clinical information

Common uses

complicated abdominal, skin and urinary infections
community-acquired pneumonia
acute pelvic infections
preventing infection after colorectal surgery

Common side effects

diarrhoea
nausea
headache
infusion vein problems

Cautions

serious allergic reactions possible, especially with penicillin-type allergy
seizures reported during treatment
severe diarrhoea (C. difficile) can occur
intramuscular form not for people allergic to lidocaine-type anaesthetics

Interactions

valproic acid or divalproex (levels drop — seizure risk, avoid)
probenecid (not recommended)

Pregnancy: data limited — talk to your doctor

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, Invanz (ertapenem) label, setid 33f3b99b-fa82-42e0-26bf-f49891ae3d22 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations1

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Ertapenem	Parenteral ( Injection )	1g	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital