Adults

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

Elderly

Dosage should be adjusted based on renal function, similar to adults.

Renal_impairment

Dosage reduction is required. For example, creatinine clearance 26-50 mL/min: 1 g every 12 hours; 10-25 mL/min: 500 mg every 12 hours; <10 mL/min: 500 mg every 24 hours.

Onset

Rapid onset of action following IV administration.

Excretion

Primarily excreted via the kidneys (approximately 70% as unchanged drug) within 12 hours.

Half life

Approximately 1 hour in adults with normal renal function.

Absorption

Rapid and almost complete absorption after intravenous (IV) administration.

Metabolism

Minimally metabolized; primarily hydrolyzed to an open-ring beta-lactam metabolite which is microbiologically inactive.

Probenecid

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

Valproic acid

Concurrent use with meropenem may significantly decrease valproic acid plasma concentrations, leading to loss of seizure control. Co-administration is generally not recommended.

Oral anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)

Co-administration with meropenem may potentiate the anticoagulant effect, requiring close monitoring of INR.