Ertapenem IV Infusion: Uses, Side Effects, And Efficacy

What is Ertapenem?

Carbapenems are antimicrobial agents used to treat conditions caused by resistant bacteria. Ertapenem is a group 1 carbapenem that is resistant to being hydrolyzed, giving it broad spectrum defense against β-lactamase-producing organisms. Ertapenem’s extended half life offers an increased duration of activity and makes it suitable for daily administration through IV. 

Generally, Ertapenem is administered through a single dose of 1 gram per day in adults. Compared to other carbapenems, Ertapenem has been equally successful in treating severe conditions caused by Enterobacteriaceae. Moreover, Ertapenem may offer additional clinical benefits like reducing hospital stay and mortality in patients.

Definition and Chemical Composition of Ertapenem

While microbes like bacteria are in an important balance with our bodies, many microbial organisms can have negative impacts on our health.

Antimicrobials like antibiotics are a critical way to provide defense and treatment for illnesses such as bacterial infections. Ertapenem is a type of antimicrobial medication which targets and defends against a diverse range of microbes. 

Antimicrobial medications are usually categorized by their biochemical structure and behavior, with specific microorganism types targeted such as bacteria. Ertapenem is a part of a group called carbapenems, which target organisms that use B-lactamase enzymes to protect against antibiotics. 

Ertapenem has unique structural characteristics that make its pharmacokinetics more defensive against β-lactamase-producing organisms compared to other antimicrobials.

Mechanism of Action

In order to accurately recognize why Ertapenem is effective at treating microbial infections, it is important to first gain an understanding of how it works.

Bacteria are small, unicellular organisms whose entire functionality and lifes is preserved within a single cell. Most bacteria have a cell wall which helps give them protection, structural integrity, and maintains cell health. 

Ertapenem functions by binding to penicillin binding proteins that weaken and disrupt cell wall formation. Ertapenem is able to attach to multiple types of penicillin binding proteins, leading to highly inhibited cell wall synthesis, thus neutralizing or weakening the bacteria and preventing its growth.

What are the Uses of an Ertapenem IV Infusion?

Although it is a broad spectrum treatment, Ertapenem is not commonly prescribed, nor is it considered a first defense antimicrobial agent. Due to its diverse protection and unique molecular structure, Ertapenem, like other carbapenems, is a treatment option for severe infections. Ertapenem’s structure allows for defense against resistant bacteria and microorganisms that can cause persistent infections. Ertapenem is clinically promoted for bacteria that has been resistant to other forms of antibiotics and has caused a lasting infection.

Conditions Treated by Ertapenem

Infections caused by resistant microbes such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae may  benefit from treatment with Etrapenem. As with all antimicrobial medications; Etrapenem is prescribed based on the type of microorganism causing the infection. There is significant diversity in the type of infections treated by Ertapenem, including skin and soft tissue infections, UTIs, gynecological infections, and community pneumonia.

Why Would Someone Use Ertapenem?

If your doctor is recommending Ertapenem, you are likely dealing with a severe infection that has been resistant to various other antibiotic treatments. Carbapenems are used when someone has a condition with a steadily or severely progressing and persistent infection that requires a more serious recourse to treat it.

Administration of Ertapenem IV Infusion: What to Expect

Efficacy of Ertapenem IV Infusion

Clinical Studies and Results

Enterobacteriaceae is a bacteria responsible for a significant number of hospital infections. Research has found Ertapenem to be effective against most β-lactam resistant microbes such as Enterobacteriaceae and the infections they cause, including skin, urinary tract, and blood stream. 

Multiple studies have cited Ertapenem as a broad spectrum antibiotic that is approved for use in both adults and kids. Ertapenem has also been identified clinically as reducing mortality and hospital stay amongst patients. Etrapenem’s unique structure is resistant to being hydrolyzed, which enhances its efficacy and allows for it to be a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for severe and complicated infections.

Comparing Ertapenem to Other Antibiotics

Ertapenem’s molecular structure allows for an extended half-life meaning its activity in the body’s system is higher compared to its antimicrobial counterparts. The longer half-life also supports daily administration. Moreover, unlike other antibiotics, Ertapenem is not readily hydrolyzed by β-lactamase producing bacteria. 

Ertapenem and other carbapenems are highly effective against β-lactamase-producing organisms. However, unlike group 2 carbapenems Ertapenem is not as active against Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species. In comparison to other carbapenems specifically, studies show Ertapenem to be equally effective against β-lactam resistant microbes. Additionally, research links Ertapenem to lowered 30 day mortality and decreased hospital stays in patients.

Understanding and Managing Side Effects of Ertapenem IV Infusion

Common Side Effects

Using Ertapenem can have common side effects that should be considered and monitored. The following side effects are common with antibiotics IV infusion:

Managing Side Effects

It is incredibly important that you monitor your reaction to treatment and note all changes whether you feel they are concerning or not. In order to manage common side effects make sure to get plenty of rest and quality sleep, and nourish your body with a nutrient-rich diet. Compounding the effects of a resistant infection and antibiotic medication can be overwhelming, so remember to regularly communicate with a trusted healthcare provider. Do not try to rectify any symptoms through measures such as taking unauthorized medications, ceasing Ertapenem treatment, or increasing IV infusion, as these actions can drastically worsen or add complications.

When to Contact a Doctor

While antibiotic IV therapy may be associated with side effects, certain adverse reactions are clear indicators that you should reach out to a doctor. Immediately contact a doctor if you experience any of the following:

Conclusion

Microbes can develop mechanisms that make them resistant to antimicrobial medications and cause persistent infections. Having a severe infection can be alarming and challenging to manage, but thankfully there are multiple antimicrobials available to help. Ertapenem and other carbapenems are antibiotics prescribed to treat conditions caused by resistant bacteria. Ertapenem’s antimicrobial properties function by  biochemically inhibiting the formation of cell walls and disrupting bacterial growth. 

When you are prescribed Ertapenem, your dosage, duration, and IV infusion protocol will all be detailed by your doctor. 1 gram of Ertapenem currently costs $178, however the actual cost will be affected by insurance, dosage and duration. 

Clinically, Ertapenem is microbiologically equal in eradicating broad spectrum Enterobacteriaceae like its carbapenem counterparts. Moreover, Ertapenem may offer benefits such as decreasing hospital stay and mortality. As with all medications, Ertapenem may have side effects that should be thoroughly considered, including nausea, headaches and drowsiness. 

If any severe side effects arise such as bleeding, rashes, or diarrhea, it is critical to contact a doctor immediately. Ertapenem’s biochemical and clinical efficacy, along with its convenient administration, makes it a viable treatment option for those with persistent infections.

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