Carbapenems

Question 0

Ertapenem indications

Answer 0

Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, complicated genitourinary infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, skin and skin-structure infections, and acute pelvic infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Question 1

Carbapenem prototype

Answer 1

Ertapenem

Question 2

Ertapenem actions

Answer 2

Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible strains of gram-negative bacteria, disrupting functional integrity of the cell membrane and causing cell death. (Inhibits cell membrane synthesis).

Question 3

Ertapenem route, onset, peak

Answer 3

IM/IV, rapid, 30-120 min

Question 4

Ertapenem adverse effects

Answer 4

Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, pseudomembranous colitis, rash, pain at injection site.

Question 5

Carbapenem facts

Answer 5

• Be careful of patient on valproic acid b/c carbapenems decrease serum valproic acid levels thus increasing risk for seizure.
• Imapenem-cilastatin is approved for children. It increases urinary excretions and decreases toxicity.