Generic
Meropenem
76 brands available in the market
At a glance
Meropenem is an antibiotic used for severe bacterial infections of the skin, lungs, stomach, urinary tract, blood, and brain (e.g., meningitis). It kills bacteria by preventing cell wall formation.
Description
Meropenem is a synthetic carbapenem beta-lactam antibiotic that exerts bactericidal activity by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria through binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). It shows high stability to all serine beta-lactamases and marked affinity for PBPs.
Indications
- Pneumonia and nosocomial pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Intra-abdominal infections
- Gynecological infections (endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease)
- Skin and skin structure infections
- Meningitis
- Septicaemia
- Pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis
- Empiric treatment for infections in febrile neutropenia
Therapeutic class
Other Beta-lactam Antibiotics
Pharmacological class
Carbapenem Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Meropenem binds to penicillin-binding proteins to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. It demonstrates high stability to serine beta-lactamases and potent bactericidal activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Mechanism of action
Kills bacteria by preventing bacterial cell wall formation.
Dosage
Adult Dose (IV):
- Intra-abdominal infections: 1 g every 8 hours
- Skin infections: 500 mg every 8 hours
- Meningitis/Cystic fibrosis: 2 g every 8 hours
- Susceptible infections: 0.5-1 g every 8 hours
Children (3 months+): 10-40 mg/kg every 8 hours (depending on infection type)
Administration
- IV infusion or IV bolus only
- IV infusion: over 15-30 minutes
- IV bolus: over 3-5 minutes
- Administered by doctor or nurse; do not self-administer
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, please consult your doctor.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Headache
- Rash
- Inflammation, thrombophlebitis
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in penicillin or carbapenem allergy
- Caution in epilepsy or seizure history
- Monitor kidney function and blood counts
- Inform doctor if severe abdominal pain or blood in stools occurs
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenems
- History of anaphylactic reaction to beta-lactams (penicillins, cephalosporins)
Drug interactions
- Probenecid increases plasma concentration
- May decrease plasma levels of valproic acid (increasing seizure risk)
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Meropenem is safe.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Meropenem is generally considered safe during pregnancy (Category B); animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Meropenem is probably safe during breastfeeding; limited human data suggests no significant risk to the baby.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children under 3 months; doses established for children 3 months+.
Geriatric use
No dose adjustment needed in elderly (unless CrCl <51 mL/min).
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment based on CrCl; hemodialysis patients should receive after dialysis.
Hepatic Impairment: Safe in liver disease; no dose adjustment needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose: symptomatic treatment; hemodialysis effective in renal impairment.
Storage conditions
Vial: Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place, away from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Meropenem