Home/Medicines/Ertapenem

Ertapenem

Prescription

Carbapenem Antibiotic

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Beta-lactam that binds PBPs 2, 3, and 4, inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Extremely broad spectrum including ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Stable against most beta-lactamases. Does NOT cover Pseudomonas or Acinetobacter (unlike meropenem).

At a glance

Class

Carbapenem Antibiotic

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature; reconstituted IM use within 1h; IV within 6h at room temperature

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Once-daily dosing (long half-life vs

Dose

15–30 mg/kg

Route

IV, IM, SQ

Frequency

q24h

🐈

Cat

Used for MDR gram-negative infections in cats

Dose

15 mg/kg

Route

IV, SQ

Frequency

q24h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature; reconstituted IM use within 1h; IV within 6h at room temperature

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Culture and sensitivityClinical responseRenal function (dose adjust if needed)Seizure monitoring

Educational reference only

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Invanz

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Ertapenem?

Ertapenem is a carbapenem antibiotic used in pets. Beta-lactam that binds PBPs 2, 3, and 4, inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Extremely broad spectrum including ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Stable against most beta-lactamases. Does NOT cover Pseudomonas or Acinetobacter (unlike meropenem).

›What is Ertapenem used for in pets?

Ertapenem is used in veterinary medicine for: Once-daily dosing (long half-life vs; Used for MDR gram-negative infections in cats.

›What is the Ertapenem dose for dogs?

For dogs, Ertapenem is typically dosed as follows — Once-daily dosing (long half-life vs: 15–30 mg/kg IV/IM/SQ q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Ertapenem dose for cats?

For cats, Ertapenem is typically dosed as follows — Used for MDR gram-negative infections in cats: 15 mg/kg IV/SQ q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Ertapenem need a prescription?

Yes. Ertapenem is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Carbapenem Antibiotic).

Meropenem

Broadest-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic that binds PBPs 2 and 3, inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Stable against virtually all beta-lactamases including ESBLs and AmpC. Active against Pseudomonas (unlike ertapenem), most Enterobacteriaceae, and anaerobes.

dogcat