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Meropenem - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Meropenem

Generic Name : Meropenem
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Meropenem are provided here.

Pronunciation : MER-oh-PEN-em

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Meropenem, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


ICD Code : Y40.9 Therapeutic Classification : Antibiotics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Meropenem

India :

International :


Merrem I.V.

Why is Meropenem Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a carbapenem antibiotic, prescribed for bacterial infections like skin and skin structure infections, bacterial meningitis, serious nosocomial infections like septicaemia, febrile neutropenia, intraabdominal and pelvic infections. The medication inhibits cell wall synthesis in bacteria, and thereby leading to cell death.

When should Meropenem not be taken? (Contraindications)

Hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Meropenem?

IV- The recommended dose is 0.5 gm to 2 gm (10 to 40mg/kg) by slow infusion, 3 times per day.

How should Meropenem be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection, administered by a healthcare provider, into the vein.

What are the warnings and precautions for Meropenem?

•Caution needed for patients with history of hypersensitivity to carbapenem, pencillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics; infants <3 months; kidney malfunction, neurological disorders, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

• Not recommended for use in MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections.

What are the side effects of Meropenem?

Body as a Whole- Pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, fever, back pain, abdominal enlargement, chills and pelvic pain.
Heart- Heart failure, heart arrest, fast/slow heart rate, high/low blood pressure, heart attack, blood clot in lungs and fainting.
Gastrointestinal- Oral infection, loss of appetite, indigestion and intestinal obstruction.
Blood- Anemia and increased blood volume.
Metabolic- Peripheral edema and poor oxygen supply.
Central Nervous System - Sleeplessness, agitation, confusion, dizziness, seizure, tingling, hallucinations, drowsiness, anxiety, depression and weakness.
Respiratory - Respiratory disorder, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, pleural effusion, asthma, cough increased and lung swelling.
Skin - Hives, sweating and skin ulcer.
Genitourinary- Painful urination, kidney failure, vaginal infection and urinary incontinence.
Liver- Jaundice and liver failure.
Potentially Fatal- Anaphylaxis and Stevens-Johnsons sydrome.

What are the other precautions for Meropenem?

Long term or repeated use of this medication may cause secondary infection.

What are the storage conditions for Meropenem?

Injection: Once reconstituted, up to 2 hour at room temperature (15-25�C) or up to 12 hour at refrigerator (4�C).

Meropenem: Drug to Treat Meningitis, Pneumonia, Sepsis and Other Bacterial Infections

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