Generic Name: Meropenem

Drug Class: Carbapenem antibiotic

Formulation: Sterile powder for intravenous injection

Strength (usual): 500 mg or 1 g per vial (not 1 mg)

Route of Administration: Intravenous (IV)

Meropenem is used to treat:

Complicated intra-abdominal infections

Community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia

Meningitis (especially bacterial)

Febrile neutropenia

Urinary tract infections (complicated)

Skin and soft tissue infections

Sepsis and bacteremia

Usual Dose: 500 mg to 1 g IV every 8 hours

In severe infections or meningitis: 2 g IV every 8 hours

Renal impairment: Dose adjustment required

Seizure risk: especially in renal impairment or CNS infections

Superinfection: including C. difficile-associated diarrhea

Allergic reactions: possible cross-sensitivity with penicillins/cephalosporins

Diarrhea

Nausea/vomiting

Headache

Rash

Injection site inflammation

Serious:

Seizures (especially with high doses or renal failure)

Anaphylaxis

Clostridioides difficile infection

Reconstitute with sterile water for injection

Use within 1 hour at room temp or store refrigerated (2–8°C) for up to 8 hours

Do not freeze

Usually comes as a vial with 1 g Meropenem powder

Accompanied by solvent or instructions for dilution

Drug Interactions

Can interact with:

Warfarin (increased bleeding risk)

ACE inhibitors/ARBs (increased risk of kidney dysfunction)

Diuretics (reduced effectiveness and kidney risk)

Lithium (increased lithium levels)

Other NSAIDs (increased risk of GI and cardiovascular side effects)

Monitoring

Blood pressure (especially in hypertensive patients)

Kidney and liver function (with long-term use)

Signs of GI bleeding or cardiovascular events

Advantages vs. Traditional NSAIDs

Lower risk of gastric ulcers and bleeding

Once-daily dosing

Good for long-term arthritis management in select patients

Disadvantages

Higher cost

Increased cardiovascular risk compared to non-selective NSAIDs

Not suitable for patients with heart disease

Storage

Store at room temperature (15–30°C), away from moisture and heat:

Keep out of reach of children

Important Notes

Use lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration

Not for use as a first-line analgesic in general pain or fever

Always take under medical advice