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Overview

Meropenem

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Meropenem

Meropenem helps in the treatment of infections which occur because of certain kinds of bacteria. Known to be a carbapenem antibiotic, the drug destroys bacteria by restricting the growth of bacterial cell wall.

This medicine is prescribed for the treatment of Intra-abdominal infections (complicated appendicitis and peritonitis) caused by viridans group streptococci, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, B. fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron, and Peptostreptococcus sp.

Meropenem is also indicated for bacterial meningitis in pediatric patients >3 months of age caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and N. meningitidis; meropenem has also been used to treat soft tissue infections, febrile neutropenia, and urinary tract infections.

There are a few medical conditions as well as medicines that can hinder the effect of Meropenem. Thus it is necessary that you provide your medical practitioner with a detailed medical history of existing health issues and the medication that you are currently taking.

Make sure to inform your doctor if you are breast feeding, expecting, or are planning to conceive. In case you are allergic to certain medicines or even food tell your doctor about it. Patients with kidney and lever issues, meningitis, going through dialysis and problems with seizures should discuss the safety of Meropenem before starting it. Patients who are taking probenecid are generally advised not to take Meropenem.

The drug is generally administered with an injection at a private health clinic or the hospital. Thus it is effectively stored and handle by a professional. In case you are taking Meropenem at home, store it as instructed by the doctor and keep it well away from the reach of children and pets.

All drugs can cause some side effects which occur initially but disappear with gradual use. Some side effects of Meropenem are headache, dizziness, nausea, pain, vomiting, sore throat or mouth or problems with sleep. Some serious side effects are hives, diarrhea, seizures, rashes, pale skin, breathing problems and swelling. If these serious side effects occur get in touch with your doctor immediately.

When it comes to safety information regarding Meropenem, keep the following points in mind-

  • The drug can lead to drowsiness and dizzy spells. Thus it is always best if you avoid driving.
  • The drug only treat bacterial infections, not viral infections.
  • Complete the entire course prescribed by your doctor. If you stop in between, the infection may reoccur.

No cases of acute overdosage are reported which have resulted in symptoms. Supportive therapy recommended; meropenem and metabolite are removable by dialysis.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Meropenem

    • Intra-Abdominal Infections

    • Bacterial Meningitis

    • Skin And Soft Tissue Infections

    • Febrile Neutropenia

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Meropenem ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Meropenem ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Meropenem

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average of 3 to 4 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The peak effect of this medicine can be observed within 1 hour after intravenous infusion.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Limited data is available on the use of this medicine in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed under the supervision of the doctor.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendency has been reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine can be used by breastfeeding women. Small amount of this medicine is excreted in human breast milk. Monitoring of undesired effects like diarrhea or thrush is necessary.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution must be taken while using this medicine in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      Limited information is available regarding its use in patients with liver disease. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Consumption of alcohol must be avoided while taking this medicine. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      This drug might affect the alertness of the patient, thus driving must be avoided while taking this medicine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Meropenem approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Meropenem

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Meropenem as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication belongs to the carbapenem class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins which would inhibit the growth and multiplication of bacteria.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Meropenem ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Increased effect: Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion and inhibits the renal excretion of meropenem (half-life increased by 38%).
      • Interaction with Food

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Pseudomembranous colitis and hypersensitivity reactions have occurred and often require immediate drug discontinuation; thrombocytopenia has been reported in patients with significant renal dysfunction; seizures have occurred in patients with underlying neurologic disorders (less frequent than with Primaxin®); safety and efficacy have not been established for children <3 months of age; superinfection possible with long courses of therapy.

      FAQs about Meropenem

      • Ques : What is Meropenem?

        Ans : Meropenem helps in the treatment of infections which occur because of certain kinds of bacteria. Known to be a carbapenem antibiotic, the drug destroys bacteria by restricting the growth of bacterial cell walls.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Meropenem?

        Ans : Meropenem acid used for the treatment of Bacterial Meningitis, Skin And Structure Infection, Intra-Abdominal Infections and Pneumonia.

      • Ques : What are the side effects of this Meropenem?

        Ans : Some side effects of Meropenem are headache, dizziness, nausea, pain, vomiting, sore throat or mouth or problems with sleep.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Meropenem before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Meropenem?

        Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

      • Ques : Should I use Meropenem empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Meropenem?

        Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

      • Ques : How is this Meropenem administered?

        Ans : This medication is administered intravenously.

      References

      • Meropenem- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/rn/96036-03-2

      • MEROPENEM injection- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2020 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=186e8e7c-0a2a-4e48-b5f7-a036f351ca5f

      • Meronem IV 1g Powder for solution for injection or infusion- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2019 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

        https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9834/smpc

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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