Meropenem belongs to the antibiotic class of medications called carbapenems. It kills bacteria that cause infections. It is also known as Merrem, an intravenous β-lactam antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
What are the Uses of Meropenem Injection?
Meropenem Injection treats several severe infections and helps prevent complications by eliminating bacteria. It is commonly prescribed for serious bacterial conditions.
Meropenem injection kills bacteria by interfering with their cell walls, causing the bacteria to break down and die. It acts specifically on bacterial cells without harming human cells.
This antibiotic works by blocking the bacteria's ability to build strong cell walls, which stops their growth and kills them. It belongs to the β-lactam class, targeting the bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Dosage Instructions of Meropenem
Dosage Form
Strengths Available
Route of Administration
Use
Injection (Powder for Solution)
500 mg, 1 g, 2 g
Intravenous (IV)
Used for serious infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, intra-abdominal infections, and meningitis
IV Infusion (Reconstituted)
Varies (based on dilution)
Intravenous drip (slow infusion)
Used for controlled delivery in hospital settings
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully for the best results and to reduce side effects. Dosage varies based on infection type, severity, and patient age.
How to use Meropenem Injection?
Before using Meropenem injection, and each time you get a refill, read the Patient Information Leaflet if it is available from your pharmacist. If you have any worries, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is usually administered every 8 hours by injection into the vein as directed by your doctor.
If you are using this medication at home, make sure you understand all preparation and usage instructions from your doctor. Before using, visually inspect this product for particles or discoloration. If either of these conditions exists, do not use the liquid. Learn how to safely store and dispose of medical supplies.
The dosage depends on your medical condition as well as your response to treatment. The dosage for children is also determined by their age and weight.
Use this antibiotic at evenly spaced intervals for the best results. Use this medication at the same time(s) every day to help you remember.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Meropenem?
It is necessary to take each dose of this medication on time.
If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to arrange for a new dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose.
What Happens If There Is an Overdose of Meropenem?
If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately. Never take more doses than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Most people tolerate meropenem injection well, but some may experience mild side effects. Serious side effects are rare but need prompt medical attention.
If you notice worsening symptoms or serious reactions like seizures, contact your doctor immediately.
Precautions for Meropenem
Certain people should avoid or use caution with meropenem. Understanding these precautions helps prevent complications.
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to meropenem, carbapenems, penicillins, cephalosporins, or any other medications. Inactive ingredients in meropenem can also cause allergic reactions.
Medical History: Discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have brain disorders (such as seizures or head injury), kidney disease, or gastrointestinal diseases (like colitis).
Side Effects: Be aware that meropenem may cause rare side effects such as headaches, numbness or tingling of the skin or seizures.
Sodium Content: Some forms of meropenem contain sodium. If you are on a salt-restricted diet or have conditions like congestive heart failure that can worsen with increased salt intake, consult your doctor.
Vaccinations: Meropenem can reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine). Avoid immunisations or vaccinations unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Meropenem is not recommended during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Meropenem is excreted in breast milk, so consult your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Meropenem?
Meropenem dosage is carefully adjusted for children based on weight and age. Always consult a healthcare professional before use in children.
This medicine is safe for use in both adults and children under medical supervision, but doses and precautions vary by age group.
Alcohol or Food Interactions
There are no significant interactions with food or alcohol reported, but it's best to avoid alcohol during antibiotic treatment for better recovery.
Meropenem Interactions with Other Medications
Meropenem can interact with certain medications, which may affect how your treatment works or increase side effects.
Valproic acid and related drugs are examples of products that may interact with this medication (such as divalproex sodium, sodium valproate).
Always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.
How to Store Meropenem Injection?
The medicine should not come in direct contact with heat, air, or light and may damage your medicines. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and far away from children's reach.
Meropenem vs Ertapenem
Meropenem
Ertapenem
This injection belongs to the antibiotic class of medications. It kills the bacteria causing infections.
Ertapenem belongs to the carbapenem antibiotics class of drugs. These injections are used to treat infections of the abdomen, lungs, upper part of the female reproductive system, and diabetic foot.
Meropenem injection is used to treat bacterial skin and abdominal infections, as well as meningitis in adults and children 3 months and older.
Ertapenem injection is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia and urinary tract, skin, diabetic foot, gynecological, pelvic, and abdominal infections. It is also used to prevent infections after colorectal surgery.
It kills the bacteria that cause infection. However, the injection is ineffective against colds, flu, and other viral infections.
It works by destroying bacteria. Colds, flu, and other viral infections will not respond to antibiotics such as ertapenem injection.
Yes, meropenem is a broad-spectrum antibiotic from the carbapenem family, often used as empirical therapy before identifying the specific causative organisms in serious infections in both adults and children.
Meropenem typically begins to work within hours after administration, with noticeable improvements in symptoms often seen within 24 to 48 hours. The exact time may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response.
Yes, meropenem, often in combination with vaborbactam, is used to treat serious bacterial infections of the urinary tract, including kidney infections.
Meropenem can be used in patients with renal impairment, although dosage adjustments may be necessary. Seizures related to meropenem are uncommon (0.1%) in these patients.
Yes, meropenem is commonly used to treat hospital-acquired infections, including sepsis or septic shock, where early and appropriate antibiotic therapy is crucial.
The usual maximum dose for adults is up to 6 grams per day, divided into doses every 8 hours. Always follow your doctor's exact dosage instructions.
Yes, once reconstituted, Meropenem should be stored in the refrigerator (2°C-8°C) and used within the recommended time as per the label or pharmacist's advice.
Both are broad-spectrum antibiotics, but Imipenem is often used with cilastatin to protect kidneys, while Meropenem has fewer side effects and is used more widely.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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