If the casualty is in shock or unconscious, or cannot swallow oral medications, they should be given one gram of ertapenem. This can be administered by intramuscular, intravenous, or intraosseous injection. As with any medication or treatment, the medication, dose, and the time of administration should be documented on the DD Form 1380.

Ertapenem is recommended for all open combat wounds if the casualty is unable to take PO medications.

Ertapenem is a member of the carbapenem family of the beta-lactam class of antibiotics. As such, it is contraindicated in persons with known anaphylactic reactions to other beta-lactams including penicillins and cephalosporins. Also, since ertapenem is reconstituted with lidocaine for IM injection, it cannot be given IM to persons with known hypersensitivity to lidocaine. As with moxifloxacin, if an individual in your unit should not take ertapenem, consult with your medical officer to determine the appropriate substitute antibiotic.

Potential side effects include; injection site phlebitis or thrombosis, asthenia, fatigue, death, fever, leg pain, anxiety, altered mental status, dizziness, headache, insomnia, chest pain, hypo- or hypertension, tachycardia, edema, abdominal pain, diarrhea, acid reflux, constipation, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, increased LFTs, cough, dyspnea, pharyngitis, rales, rhonchi, respiratory distress, erythema, pruritus, and rash.