Ertapenem
Also known as: Invanz
> **Important Note:** This medication is considered investigational in veterinary medicine and is typically reserved for highly resistant infections. * **Administration:** This drug must be administered by a veterinary professional via injection. * **Monitoring:** Watch your pet closely for any signs of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual neurological behavior (like agitation or twitching) and report these to your veterinarian immediately.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Susceptible infections (Investigational)
- Susceptible infections (Investigational)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Injection site reactions (most common in humans)
- Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Headache
- Tachycardia
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rare)
- CNS effects (hallucinations, agitation, seizures - rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ertapenem or other carbapenems
- History of anaphylaxis to any beta-lactam antibiotic
- Hypersensitivity to lidocaine or amide-type local anesthetics (if using 1% lidocaine as an IM diluent)
- > **Investigational Use:** Consider its use in dogs and cats as investigational due to limited published data. * **Diluent Warning:** Do **not** use diluents containing dextrose. * **IM Administration:** If given IM, it must be diluted with 1% lidocaine HCl (without epinephrine) to minimize pain, and must be used within one hour. Do not give this lidocaine mixture IV.
Drug interactions
- Probenecid: Can increase ertapenem AUC by 25% and elimination half-life by about 20%. Not recommended to be used concurrently to extend half-life.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ertapenem used for in pets?
> **Important Note:** This medication is considered investigational in veterinary medicine and is typically reserved for highly resistant infections. * **Administration:** This drug must be administered by a veterinary professional via injection. * **Monitoring:** Watch your pet closely for any signs of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual neurological behavior (like agitation or twitching) and report these to your veterinarian immediately.
Is Ertapenem safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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