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Ertapenem Intravenous Infusion for Adults
Who can administer
May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife
Important information
- Red-light antimicrobial: Requires pre-authorisation from Microbiology or ID prior to use 24 hours/7 days a week
- Ertapenem is a carbapenem. Avoid if history of immediate or severe hypersensitivity reaction to penicillins or cephalosporins
- See under 'Dose' for adjustments required in renal impairment
- Co-administration with valproate may result in a decrease in valproic acid levels below the therapeutic range - therefore concurrent use is not recommended
Available preparations
Invanz 1 gram vial
Reconstitution
Water for injection or sodium chloride 0.9%
10mL per 1g vial (produces 100mg/mL solution)
Dilute further prior to administration
Infusion fluids
Sodium chloride 0.9% only
Methods of intravenous administration
Intermittent intravenous infusion (administer using an electronically controlled infusion device)
- Add 500mg or 1g dose to 50mL infusion fluid
- The residual volume in the infusion line must be flushed through at the same rate to avoid significant underdosing
- Administer over 30 minutes
Dose in adults
Usual dose
- Give 1g every 24 hours
Renal impairment (ref 1)
- Risk of seizures
- Patients with renal impairment are at higher risk of ertapenem-induced encephalopathy and the resolution may be prolonged
- Not recommended by manufacturer due to lack of data in GFR<30 mL/min but a dose of 50% is recommended in US data sheet. The following table reflects the Renal Drug Database information
| eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2) | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 30 to 50 | Usual dose | |
| 10 to 30 | 500mg to 1g | Every twenty-four hours |
| Less than 10 | 1g three times weekly OR 500mg every 24 hours | |
| Renal replacement therapy | Consult pharmacy or specialist literature | |
Storage
Store below 250C
References
SPC Feb 2nd 2022
1. Renal drug database, accessed online 28/05/2025
Therapeutic classification
Carbapenem antibiotic
IV Guide Type