Ertapenem
Written By Dr. Sakshi JainLast updated 25 Nov 2025 | 09:34 AM (UTC)
Ertapenem Uses
Ertapenem is used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It treats moderate to severe infections of abdomen, skin, lungs (pneumonia), and urinary tract. It may also be used to treat post surgical infections.
How Ertapenem works
Ertapenem is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from forming the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) which is needed for them to survive.
Common side effects of Ertapenem
Headache, Vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhea, Rash, Dizziness, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Breathlessness, Infusion site reaction, Edema (swelling), Abdominal pain, Disorientation (alteration of mental status), Vaginal inflammation, Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)
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Read Our Editorial PolicyMedicine brands for Ertapenem
Gerta
Zydus Cadila
₹4487 to ₹4487
1 variant(s)
Alerta
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
₹3000 to ₹3000
1 variant(s)
Lyortam
United Biotech Pvt Ltd
₹3285 to ₹3285
1 variant(s)
Forstal
Zyphar's Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
₹2244 to ₹2244
1 variant(s)
Bacmar
Alpic Biotech Ltd
₹112 to ₹112
1 variant(s)
Ertagold
Aequitas Healthcare Pvt Ltd
₹1171 to ₹1171
1 variant(s)
Zoftafic
Pacific Meditech Pvt Ltd
₹328 to ₹328
1 variant(s)
Ertiga
Nutraferon Private Limited
₹2362 to ₹3749
2 variant(s)
Ertacos
Oscar Remedies Pvt Ltd
₹3203 to ₹3203
1 variant(s)
Ertafic
Gufic Bioscience Ltd
₹3974 to ₹3974
1 variant(s)
Expert advice for Ertapenem
- Ertapenem is an antibiotic that's usually only given in the hospital for serious infections.
- It is given by a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) over 20 to 60 minutes.
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or if you are taking any seizure medication before starting treatment with this medication.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Inform your doctor if you develop severe stomach pain or if you find blood in your stools.
- Your doctor may monitor your liver and kidney function while you are having treatment with this medication.
- Ertapenem is an antibiotic that's usually only given in the hospital for serious infections.
- It is given by a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) over 20 to 60 minutes.
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or if you are taking any seizure medication before starting treatment with this medication.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Inform your doctor if you develop severe stomach pain or if you find blood in your stools.
- Your doctor may monitor your liver and kidney function while you are having treatment with this medication.
Frequently asked questions for Ertapenem
It is common to have minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache but generally these settle down. If these symptoms trouble you, contact your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine to help you get rid of these symptoms. Serious side effects occur in very rare cases. But, if you experience any serious complication, seek immediate medical advice.
Drug resistance is a condition in which the bacteria gets modified in your body and stops reacting to the medicine. Because of this, the medicine stops working. Resistance to Ertapenem is not very common at least for the bacteria against which it works.
Rare reports suggest that Ertapenem may decrease the blood sugar levels, but this medicine does not affect the blood sugar levels in everyone. However, it is important to keep monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly. Consult your doctor if you experience any sudden dip in blood sugar levels.
Safety of Ertapenem in children less than 3 months of age has not yet been assessed. However, the side effects and effectivity of Ertapenem in children beyond the age of 3 months is almost similar when compared with adults.
No. Make sure to receive all doses your doctor has prescribed, even if you feel better. This is because your symptoms may have improved but chances are that the infection is still present in your body. Skipping doses can increase the risk of developing an infection that is resistant to medication. So, continue taking Ertapenem as prescribed. After you have finished all the doses, your doctor may advise you on some tests to make sure your infection has completely cleared up.



