Meropenem is a drug used to treat various bacterial infections, such as meningitis, severe skin infections, infections of the organs and lining of the stomach, or respiratory infections. In addition to 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 bacterial cell walls. This drug is available in injectable form. Keep in mind that this drug cannot be used to treat viral infections.
Meropenem trademark: Granem, Meropenem Trihydrate, Merofen, Merokaf, Meroxi
What is Meropenem
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Carbapenem antibiotics |
| Benefit | Overcoming bacterial infections |
| Used by | Adults and children aged 3 months |
| Meropenem for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any 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 you should pay attention to before using meropenem, including:
- Do not use meropenem if you are allergic to this medicine or to other carbapenem antibiotics, such as imipenem or doripenem. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a head injury, seizure, 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 taking meropenem. This medicine may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
- This medicine may cause dizziness. Avoid activities that require alertness, including driving a vehicle after using this medicine.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using meropenem.
Dosage and Instructions 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 to be treated and the age of the patient. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Lower respiratory tract infection
- Mature:2,000 mg, every 8 hours, given by intravenous injection over 15–30 minutes.
- Children aged 3 months: 40 mg/kg, every 8 hours, given by intravenous injection over 15–30 minutes.
Condition: Gram-positive or gram-negative bacterial infections
- Mature: 500–1,000 mg, every 8 hours, given by intravenous injection over 15–30 minutes.
- Children aged 3 months: 10–20 mg/kg, every 8 hours, given by infusion over 15–30 minutes.
Condition: Meningitis
- Mature:2,000 mg, every 8 hours, given by intravenous injection over 15–30 minutes.
- Children aged 3 months: 40 mg/kg, every 8 hours, given by intravenous injection over 15–30 minutes.
Condition: Severe skin infection
- Mature: 500 mg, every 8 hours. The maximum dose is 2,000 mg.
- Children aged 3 months: 10 mg/kgB, every 8 hours. The maximum dose is 500 mg.
How to Use Meropenem Correctly
Meropenem injection will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor through a vein (intravenous / IV). Generally, this drug is given every 8 hours.
Follow your 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 side effects of meropenem when used with other medicines:
- 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 typhoid vaccine
Meropenem Side Effects and Dangers
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
Consult a doctor if the above complaints do not subside. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a medication or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Severe diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- Ears ringing
- Easy bruising
- Seizures or unusual tiredness and weakness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
In addition, the use of meropenem in the long term can increase the risk of fungal infections, such as candidiasis.