Adults

Typical adult dosage is 500 mg to 1 g IV every 8 hours, depending on the type and severity of infection.

Elderly

Dosage adjustment is often required based on renal function (creatinine clearance).

Renal_impairment

Dosage must be reduced and/or interval extended based on creatinine clearance (e.g., for CrCl 26-50 mL/min, 500 mg every 12 hours; for CrCl 10-25 mL/min, 250 mg every 12 hours).

Onset

Rapid onset of action.

Excretion

Mainly excreted by the kidneys (approximately 70% as unchanged drug) within 12 hours.

Half life

Approximately 1 hour in adults with normal renal function.

Absorption

Rapid and complete absorption after intravenous administration.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized by hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring to an inactive metabolite. Hepatic metabolism is minimal.

Probenecid

Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion, leading to increased plasma concentrations and prolonged half-life of meropenem.

Valproic acid

Co-administration with meropenem can decrease valproic acid levels, potentially leading to sub-therapeutic levels and increased risk of seizures. Monitoring of valproic acid levels is recommended.