Ertapenem in critically ill patients with early-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia: pharmacokinetics with special consideration of free-drug concentration

Abstract

For an adequate dose adjustment of highly protein-bound drugs like ertapenem, knowledge of actual albumin concentrations is necessary. A shortening of the dosage interval or continuous infusion of ertapenem should be considered to ensure optimal free concentrations in critically ill patients with severe hypoalbuminaemia and normal renal function.