Adult
Ertapenem
Warning
General Information
Carbapenem
Restricted formulary antimicrobial: For details see OUH netFormulary
AWaRe antibiotic classification: 'Reserve'. All indications to be discussed with Micro/ID.
For all information regarding interactions, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding and additional information, see BNF and Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).
Standard Dose
|
|
Intravenous dose |
|
Standard dose |
1g OD |
Renal and hepatic impairment
Renal impairment
|
eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2) |
IV dose |
|
More than 30 |
Dose as in normal renal function |
|
10-30 |
Use 50-100% of dose |
|
Less than 10 |
Use 50% of dose or 1g three times a week |
| HD/HDF/High Flux/PD |
1g three times a week Dialysed; give after dialysis |
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment required.
MHRA Drug Safety Alerts
MHRA Drug Safety Update (December 2014) Carbapenems: concomitant use with valproic acid not recommended
- There is a clinically significant interaction between carbapenems and sodium valproate or valproic acid, which results in reduced valproate plasma concentrations with potential for inadequate seizure control.
- If the patient is already prescribed sodium valproate or valproic acid and ertapenem is recommended, discuss with Micro/ID and the relevant clinical team.
- OUH Weekly Safety Message 365 about Interaction between Sodium Valproate and Carbapenem Antibiotics can be found HERE (February 2026)
References
- Panpharma UK Ltd. Ertapenem 1 g powder for concentrate for solution for infusion summary of product characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium. Last revision of the text 27/3/25. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk Accessed 16/2/26
- The Renal Drug Database. Ertapenem. Last updated 24/10/24. Available from: https://www.renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 16/2/26
- British National Formulary. Ertapenem. BNF online accessed via www.medicinescomplete.com Accessed 16/2/26.
- Sanford Guide [online]. Ertapenem. Last updated 29/1/26. Available from: https://web.sanfordguide.com/ Accessed 16/2/26
- All-Wales Antimicrobial Pharmacists’ Group (2022) Antimicrobial dosing in extremes of body weight in adults. Accessed 16/2/26.
- MHRA. Drug Safety update (December 2014). Carbapenems: concomitant use with valproic acid not recommended. Accessed at https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/carbapenems-concomitant-use-with-valproic-acid-not-recommended