Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Invanz (ERTAPENEM)

Invanz works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.

Invanz (ertapenem) is a penem antibacterial drug developed by Merck Sharp Dohme and currently owned by MSD Sub Merck. It is a small molecule that targets a wide range of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, peritonitis, and septic abortion. Invanz was FDA-approved in 2001 and has since become off-patent, with multiple generic manufacturers available. It is used to treat various bacterial infections, including those caused by Bacteroides species. Key safety considerations include its potential to cause seizures and interactions with other medications.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Ertapenem sodium is carbapenem antibiotic [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.4)].

Approved indications

• Abdominal abscess
• Acute bacterial peritonitis
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Bacteroides Septic Abortion
• Colorectal Surgery Infection Prevention
• Community acquired pneumonia
• Complicated Bacterial Peritonitis
• Complicated Bacteroides Peritonitis
• Complicated E. Coli Peritonitis
• Complicated Skin and Skin Structure E. Coli Infection
• Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infection
• Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
• Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Streptococcus Pyogenes Infection
• Diabetic Foot Infection
• E. Coli Pyelonephritis
• E. Coli Septic Abortion
• Escherichia coli urinary tract infection
• Female genital tract infection
• Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia
• Infectious disease of abdomen

Common side effects

• Diarrhea
• Infused vein complication
• Death
• Edema/swelling
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Hypotension
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Altered mental status
• Dizziness

Key clinical trials

• Combination Cefazolin With Ertapenem for Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia (PHASE2)
• A Platform Trial for Gram Negative Bloodstream Infections (NA)
• Combination Antibiotic Therapy for Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia (PHASE4)
• Cefotetan Therapy for Escherichia Coli Infections (PHASE2)
• Pivmecillinam as Oral Step-Down Treatment for Escherichia Coli Febrile Urinary Tract Infection Versus Standard of Care (PHASE4)
• Antibiotic Concentrations Among Critically Ill Patients
• Does Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia Early Dual Therapy Improve Outcomes? (PHASE4)
• Assessment of Prostatic Tissue Concentration of Ertapenem After a Pre-operative Administration (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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