Meropenem is used to treat various bacterial infections, such as meningitis, severe skin infections, infections of the organs and lining of the stomach, or respiratory tract infections. Apart from being used as a single therapy, this drug can be combined with other antibiotics.
Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic that stops the growth and development of bacteria by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall. This drug is available in injectable form. Keep in mind that this drug cannot be used to treat viral infections.
Meropenem trademarks: Granem, Meropenem Trihydrate, Merofen, Merokaf, Meroxi
What is Meropenem
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Carbapenem antibiotics |
| Benefit | Overcome bacterial infections |
| Used by | Adults and children ≥3 months of age |
| Meropenem for pregnant and lactating women |
Category B: Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Meropenem can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Meropenem
There are several things that you should pay attention to before using meropenem, including:
- Do not use meropenem if you are allergic to it or to other carbapenem antibiotics, such as imipenem or doripenem . Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a head injury , seizures, brain tumor , kidney disease, epilepsy , or colitis .
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated with live vaccines while using meropenem. This medicine may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
- This drug may cause dizziness. Avoid activities that require alertness, including driving a vehicle after using this medicine.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or overdose after using meropenem.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Meropenem
Meropenem will be injected by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor through a vein (intravenous/IV). The dose of meropenem given depends on the condition you want to treat and the age of the patient. The following is an explanation:
Condition: Lower respiratory tract infection
- Adult: 2,000 mg every 8 hours by infusion over 15–30 minutes.
- Children ≥3 months: 40 mg/kg, every 8 hours, given by infusion over 15–30 minutes.
Condition: Infection with gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria
- Adult: 500–1,000 mg, every 8 hours, given by infusion over 15–30 minutes.
- Children ≥3 months: 10–20 mg/kg, every 8 hours, given by infusion over 15–30 minutes.
Condition: Meningitis
- Adult: 2,000 mg every 8 hours by infusion over 15–30 minutes.
- Children ≥3 months: 40 mg/kg, every 8 hours, given by infusion over 15–30 minutes.
Condition: Severe skin infection
- Adult: 500 mg every 8 hours. The maximum dose is 2,000 mg.
- Children ≥3 months: 10 mg/kg, every 8 hours. Maximum dose of 500 mg.
How to Use Meropenem Properly
Meropenem injection will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor through a vein (intravenous/IV). Generally, the administration of this drug is done every 8 hours.
Follow the doctor's advice and recommendations while you are on treatment with meropenem. Do not stop taking medication without consulting your doctor first.
Meropenem Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the possible interaction effects when meropenem is used with other drugs:
- Increased blood levels of meropenem when used with probenecid
- Decreased levels of valproic acid , thereby increasing the risk of seizures
- Enhanced anticoagulant effect of warfarin
- Decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine
Side Effects and Dangers of Meropenem
Side effects that can arise after using meropenem include:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Numbness or tingling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Hard to sleep
Check with your doctor if the above complaints don't go away. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Severe diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- Ringing ears
- Easy bruising
- Seizures or unusual fatigue and weakness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
In addition, long-term use of meropenem can increase the risk of developing fungal infections, such as candidiasis .