Ertapenem Three Times Weekly After Hemodialysis

A more practical ertapenem dosing regimen in hemodialysis patients

Recent years have seen a burgeoning of infections due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Enterobacteriaceae, necessitating greater reliance on carbapenems. Ertapenem is a narrower-spectrum carbapenem that has activity against ESBL without selective pressure on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (which is intrinsically resistant to it). Ertapenem is used intravenously or intramuscularly once daily, 1000 mg for patients with creatinine clearance >30 mL/minute and 500 mg for those with clearance ≤30 mL/minute, including those undergoing hemodialysis (HD; https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/i/invanz/invanz_pi.pdf). Daily administration thus adds to the intravenous access already needed for patients on HD.

Now, researchers presen…

Reviewing Author

George Sakoulas, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParatek Pharmaceuticals; Nestle Corp.; AbbVie; Shionogi

Speaker’s BureauAllergan/AbbVie; Paratek Pharmaceuticals; Nestle Corp.

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy; Open Forum Infectious Diseases