Ertapenem is a synthetic 1-beta-methyl carbapenem antibiotic belonging to the beta-lactam class. It has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and is used in pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections.
Ertapenem inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), thereby interfering with the final transpeptidation step required for peptidoglycan synthesis. This results in bacterial cell-wall disruption and bactericidal activity.
Ertapenem is a carbapenem antibacterial API with activity against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It is structurally related to other carbapenem antibiotics such as meropenem, imipenem and doripenem.
Ertapenem has the molecular formula C₂₂H₂₅N₃O₇S, molecular weight 475.5 g/mol, and CAS Registry Number 153832-46-3.
Ertapenem exerts bactericidal activity by binding to bacterial penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, an essential component of the bacterial cell wall.
This mechanism leads to:
Ertapenem is associated with pharmaceutical treatment of susceptible bacterial infections, including certain:
The exact approved indications depend on the applicable regulatory labeling.
Ertapenem is a carbapenem beta-lactam API. In commercial pharmaceutical products, it is commonly supplied as ertapenem sodium, the sodium salt of ertapenem. PubChem identifies Ertapenem Sodium as the sodium salt and lists a molecular weight of approximately 497.5 g/mol.
Pharmaceutical-grade Ertapenem should be evaluated using validated analytical methods appropriate for a carbapenem antibiotic. Important quality attributes may include:
A qualified supplier should provide Certificate of Analysis (CoA), specification sheet, SDS/MSDS, batch traceability and applicable regulatory documentation.
Ertapenem should be stored according to the approved API specification and stability requirements, with appropriate protection from moisture, heat and other conditions that may promote beta-lactam degradation.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 20 ppm |
| pH (1% Solution) | 2.0 – 4.0 |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 0.5% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 1.0% |
| Water Content | NMT 1.0% |
| Melting Point | 150°C – 154°C |