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

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 03/08/2022

Therapeutic classification

Carbapenem antibiotic