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