Ertapenem
Information about Ertapenem
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), Confusion, Fungal infection of mouth, Decreased appetite, Sleepiness, Breathlessness, Erythema (skin redness), Urticaria, Scleral disorders, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Cholecystitis, Jaundice, Liver disorder, Renal insufficiency, Infusion site reaction, Edema (swelling), Abdominal pain, Disorientation (alteration of mental status), Vaginal inflammation, Abdominal distension, Pain, Sepsis, Acid regurgitation, Indigestion, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Flatulence, Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea, Heart failure, Chest pain, High blood pressure, Cardiac arrest, Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), Dermatitis, Anxiety, Nervousness, Sore throat, Respiratory distress, Taste change, Renal impairment, Low urine output, Anuria, Muscle spasm, Joint pain, Muscle cramp, Difficulty in swallowing, Bowel incontinence, Fainting
Available Medicine for Ertapenem
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.
Frequently asked questions for Ertapenem
Ertapenem
Q. What if I cannot tolerate 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.
Q. What is drug resistance? Is it possible to develop resistance to Ertapenem?
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.
Q. Does Ertapenem have any effect on blood sugar levels if taken to treat infections of diabetic foot?
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.