Ertapenem: Una nueva clase de carbapenem

Abstract

Ertapenem Ertapenem is an new carbapenem that, compared to imipenem and meropenem, has a prolonged half life that allows its administration once daily and may be prescribed in severe infections treated as outpatients. Its antimicrobial spectrum is directed mainly against enteric Gram negative rods including betalactamase extended spectrum producers but its antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas spp or Acinetobacter spp is scarce. Besides ertapenem is active against Haemophilus influenzae y Streptococcus pneumoniae .including penicillin resistant strains and non Bacteroides strict anaerobes. It has no bactericidal activity against Enterococcus spp. Because of its favorable spectrum and safety profile ertapenem is well indicated in mixed infections as abdominal or pelvic sepsis, severe soft tissue infections, complexed urinary tract infections and community acquired pneumonia with suspicion of a mixed etiology.