Medicine Information

Carbanem

Name: Carbanem
Brand: Carbanem
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Powder for Injection1 gmAntibiotics, CarbapenemsATC: J01DH002

Generic Name

Meropenem

Manufacturer

Various manufacturers (e.g., Orion Pharma, Square Pharmaceuticals)

Country

Global (manufactured in various countries)

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
carbanem 1 gm injection	৳ 1,303.91	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including meningitis, intra-abdominal infections, and severe skin and soft tissue infections. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including anaerobes.

Uses & Indications

Complicated skin and skin structure infections

Intra-abdominal infections (e.g., complicated appendicitis and peritonitis)

Bacterial meningitis

Hospital-acquired pneumonia

Cystic fibrosis exacerbations

Febrile neutropenia (empiric therapy)

Urinary tract infections

Dosage

Adults

Typically 500 mg to 1 gm IV every 8 hours, depending on the severity and type of infection. For meningitis, 2 gm IV every 8 hours.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment required based solely on age, but renal function should be assessed.

Renal_impairment

Dose adjustment required based on creatinine clearance. For CrCl 26-50 mL/min, 1 gm every 12 hours; for CrCl 10-25 mL/min, 500 mg every 12 hours; for CrCl <10 mL/min, 500 mg every 24 hours.

How to Take

Administered by intravenous infusion over 15-30 minutes, or by intravenous bolus injection over 3-5 minutes (for doses up to 1 gm). Reconstitute with sterile water for injection.

Mechanism of Action

Meropenem is a bactericidal antibiotic that acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), primarily PBP-2 and PBP-3, which are crucial for the integrity of the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell lysis and death.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Rapid (minutes after IV administration).

Excretion

Primarily renal (70% unchanged in urine).

Half life

Approximately 1 hour.

Absorption

Rapid and complete after intravenous administration. Not orally absorbed.

Metabolism

Minimal hepatic metabolism (primarily hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring).

Side Effects

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenems
Severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction) to any other beta-lactam antibacterial agent (e.g., penicillins or cephalosporins)

Drug Interactions

Probenecid

Increases meropenem plasma levels and prolongs its half-life by inhibiting renal excretion. Not usually co-administered.

Valproic acid

Concomitant use with meropenem may decrease valproic acid plasma levels, increasing the risk of seizures. Co-administration is generally not recommended.

Oral anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

Increased anticoagulant effect has been reported when meropenem is co-administered with oral anticoagulants. INR should be monitored.

Storage

Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children. Reconstituted solutions should be used immediately or within a specific timeframe as per manufacturer's instructions.

Overdose

In case of overdose, discontinue meropenem and initiate supportive care. Meropenem can be removed by hemodialysis.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Use only if clearly needed. Meropenem is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 vial of 1 gm MeropenemBox of 1 vial

Shelf Life

Typically 24-36 months when stored as recommended.

Availability

Available in hospitals and retail pharmacies

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory authorities worldwide

Patent Status

Generic available; patents expired for the active ingredient

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated meropenem's efficacy and safety in various severe bacterial infections compared to other broad-spectrum antibiotics. Post-marketing surveillance continues to monitor its use.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function tests (creatinine, BUN)
Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP)
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Culture and sensitivity testing (before therapy)

Doctor Notes

Consider meropenem for severe infections where resistance to other beta-lactams is suspected or confirmed.
Adjust dose in renal impairment.
Monitor for seizure activity, especially in patients with CNS disorders or high doses.

Patient Guidelines

Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve.
Report any adverse reactions, especially severe diarrhea or rash, to your doctor immediately.
Do not use leftover medication for future infections.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose.

Driving Precautions

This medicine may cause dizziness, confusion, or seizures. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain adequate hydration.
Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh

Similar medicines available in the market

Meropen (Orion Pharma)Merotrate (Square Pharmaceuticals)Merogem (Incepta Pharmaceuticals)Meronem (AstraZeneca)

Global Brand Names

International brand names for this medicine

General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Tablet200 mg

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