Ratapenem 1gm Injection

Ratapenem 1gm Injection belongs to a class of medications called ‘antibiotics’ used to treat bacterial infections. It can be used to treat intra-abdominal (stomach) infections, skin infections such as diabetic foot infections, community-acquired pneumonia (lung infection), and acute (short-term) gynaecological infections such as urinary tract infections and pelvic infections. It is also used to prevent surgical site infections in patients who have undergone surgery on the colon or rectum.

Ratapenem 1gm Injection contains ‘Ertapenem’, which belongs to the class of ‘carbapenem antibiotics. It has bactericidal action and kills the bacteria that are causing the infection. It works by destroying the cell wall (outer layer of the bacteria), which is essential for its survival. Ratapenem 1gm Injection does not work against infections caused by viruses.

Ratapenem 1gm Injection is available in the form of injection and infusion. You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Ratapenem 1gm Injection are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, and injection site pain. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.

Do not take Ratapenem 1gm Injection if you are allergic to ‘Ertapenem’ or antibiotics such as penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Before taking Ratapenem 1gm Injection, inform your doctor if you have diarrhoea, brain disorders such as seizures (fits), have been taking valproic acid medicine for treating seizures, have kidney failure, and be on a controlled sodium diet. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use Ratapenem 1gm Injection in children below 2 years of age. In the elderly, dosage adjustments may not be necessary except in patients with kidney failure. Ratapenem 1gm Injection may not interact with alcohol. Ratapenem 1gm Injection may cause dizziness (less common), so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.

Ratapenem 1gm Injection contains ‘Ertapenem’, which belongs to the class of ‘carbapenem antibiotics. It is used in the treatment of high-risk or serious bacterial infections. Ertapenem has bactericidal action and works by killing the bacteria causing the infection. It interferes with the formation of the cell wall, which is essential for the bacteria's survival. It has a broad spectrum of activity and is active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It can act against various bacterial strains, such as Enterobacteriaceae (cause infections in healthcare settings), Streptococcus pneumonia (cause community-acquired pneumonia), and anaerobic bacteria, which are common causes of serious infections.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Injection site pain

Do not take Ratapenem 1gm Injection for prolonged periods as long-term use may cause superinfection (additional infection caused by other microbes). Ratapenem 1gm Injection should not be used in patients with diabetic foot infections with ‘osteomyelitis’ (an infection of the bone) as there is no much research regarding the safe use of Ratapenem 1gm Injection in these populations. Ratapenem 1gm Injection should be used with caution in patients with brain disorders such as seizures (fits) as it may worsen the condition. If you experience diarrhoea before, during, or after the treatment, do not take self-medication without discussing it with your doctor.  Diarrhoea may also occur due to the inflammation of the colon. Ratapenem 1gm Injection contains sodium, so it should be used with caution in patients on a sodium-restricted diet. Ratapenem 1gm Injection may also cause a change in liver function tests, a change in platelet count, and a change in white blood cell count (in children). So, it is essential to monitor these tests if you are taking this medicine frequently.

• Eat healthily. Opt for a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. 
• Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit, and grapefruit juice, as they might hinder antibiotic absorption.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol to treat your condition effectively.
• Avoid usage of tobacco.