[Pharmacological characteristics of ertapenem].

Ertapenem is a broad-spectrum bactericidal carbapenem antibiotic. It differs from the other substances of this group by the absence of action against Gram-negative non-fermenting bacilli and by a long elimination half-life, which allows once-daily administration. It is administered once daily in a dose of 1 gram intravenously. Ertapenem is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being diarrhea and phlebitis at the injection site. It is used for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, intra-abdominal and gynecological infections, and skin and soft tissue infections, including diabetic foot.