Mepen
Generic Name
Meropenem
Manufacturer
Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| mepen 500 mg injection | ৳ 650.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including intra-abdominal infections, meningitis, and complicated skin and soft tissue infections. It is administered intravenously.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typical adult dosage is 500 mg to 1 g intravenously every 8 hours, depending on the type and severity of infection. For bacterial meningitis or severe infections, doses up to 2 g every 8 hours may be used.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is required for elderly patients with normal renal function; however, renal function should be assessed and dose adjusted accordingly for impaired function.
Renal_impairment
Dosage must be reduced in patients with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min. For example, for CrCl 26-50 mL/min, 500 mg every 12 hours; for CrCl 10-25 mL/min, 250 mg every 12 hours; for CrCl <10 mL/min, 250 mg every 24 hours.
How to Take
Meropenem 500 mg injection is administered intravenously. It can be given as a bolus injection (5 to 20 mL) over 3-5 minutes or as an intravenous infusion (50 to 200 mL) over 15-30 minutes.
Mechanism of Action
Meropenem acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis through binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to bacterial cell lysis and death. It is highly stable to hydrolysis by most beta-lactamases, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs).
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Rapid, typically within minutes of administration.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine (approximately 70% as unchanged drug and 30% as metabolite within 12 hours).
Half life
Approximately 1 hour in adults with normal renal function.
Absorption
Rapid and complete after intravenous administration.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized; primarily hydrolyzed to an inactive open-ring metabolite by dehydropeptidase-I in the kidneys, though this enzyme is generally considered inactive against meropenem.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to meropenem or to other carbapenem antibiotics
- Severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction, severe skin reaction) to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agent (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion, resulting in increased plasma concentrations and prolonged half-life of meropenem. Co-administration is not recommended.
Valproic acid
Concomitant use with meropenem may significantly decrease valproic acid plasma concentrations, leading to a loss of seizure control. Co-administration is generally not recommended.
Oral anticoagulants
Concurrent administration of antibiotics with warfarin may potentiate its anticoagulant effect. INR should be closely monitored.
Storage
Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solution should be used immediately or within a specific timeframe (e.g., 2 hours at room temperature or up to 12 hours under refrigeration), as per manufacturer guidelines.
Overdose
In the event of an overdose, discontinue meropenem and institute general supportive treatment. Hemodialysis can remove meropenem and its metabolite from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Meropenem should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is excreted in human milk in very low concentrations; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to meropenem or to other carbapenem antibiotics
- Severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction, severe skin reaction) to any other type of beta-lactam antibacterial agent (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion, resulting in increased plasma concentrations and prolonged half-life of meropenem. Co-administration is not recommended.
Valproic acid
Concomitant use with meropenem may significantly decrease valproic acid plasma concentrations, leading to a loss of seizure control. Co-administration is generally not recommended.
Oral anticoagulants
Concurrent administration of antibiotics with warfarin may potentiate its anticoagulant effect. INR should be closely monitored.
Storage
Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solution should be used immediately or within a specific timeframe (e.g., 2 hours at room temperature or up to 12 hours under refrigeration), as per manufacturer guidelines.
Overdose
In the event of an overdose, discontinue meropenem and institute general supportive treatment. Hemodialysis can remove meropenem and its metabolite from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Meropenem should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is excreted in human milk in very low concentrations; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years, consult packaging for specific expiry date.
Availability
Hospitals, Pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent (generic available)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of meropenem in a wide range of bacterial infections. Ongoing research explores its use in emerging resistant pathogens and specific patient populations.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function tests (creatinine, BUN) especially in patients with pre-existing impairment
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
- Complete blood count (CBC) during prolonged therapy
- INR/PT if co-administered with anticoagulants
Doctor Notes
- Caution in patients with a history of seizure disorders.
- Monitor for signs of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
- Adjust dose in renal impairment.
Patient Guidelines
- Inform your doctor about any allergies, especially to penicillin or other antibiotics.
- Report any unusual or severe side effects immediately.
- Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you feel better, to prevent recurrence and resistance.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Meropenem may cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, or seizures, which could affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should be advised to exercise caution.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent further infections.
- Stay hydrated during treatment.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
Other Medicines in Mepen Brand
Other medicines available under the same brand name
