What is the total volume of Ertapenem (Invanz) solution when reconstituted with 3.2ml of Lidocaine?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 17, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Ertapenem Reconstitution with Lidocaine 3.2ml

When reconstituting Ertapenem with 3.2ml of Lidocaine, the total volume is 4.2ml. 1

Reconstitution Process Details

  • Ertapenem 1g powder contributes approximately 1ml to the final volume when reconstituted 1
  • Adding 3.2ml of lidocaine diluent to the powder results in a total solution volume of 4.2ml 1
  • The reconstitution with lidocaine is specifically used for intramuscular (IM) administration 2

Clinical Applications for IM Administration

  • IM ertapenem is particularly valuable when vascular access is limited or unavailable in emergency situations 3
  • The standard dose for IM administration is 1g once daily 2
  • When reconstituted with lidocaine, IM ertapenem has been shown to be generally well tolerated with a safety profile comparable to IM ceftriaxone 2

Important Considerations

  • Carbapenems, including ertapenem, are particularly unstable after reconstitution and should not be stored for extended periods 4
  • The most common local symptoms after IM administration are tenderness and pain at the injection site 2
  • For intramuscular administration, lidocaine is used as the diluent to reduce injection site pain 2

Administration Guidelines

  • For intravenous administration, different diluents are used (not lidocaine), and the reconstitution volume would differ 5
  • IM administration should be considered only when timely establishment of vascular access is not possible 3
  • The bioavailability of IM ertapenem is approximately 92% compared to IV administration 6

References

Guideline

Ertapenem Dosing for Contaminated Colon Surgery

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Ertapenem Intramuscular Administration Guidelines

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Stability and compatibility of reconstituted ertapenem with commonly used i.v. infusion and coinfusion solutions.

American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2004

Research

Pharmacokinetics of intramuscularly administered ertapenem.

Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 2003

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.