Adults

Usually 500 mg to 1 g IV every 8 hours, depending on the type and severity of infection. Administer over 15-30 minutes by IV infusion or over 3-5 minutes by IV bolus.

Elderly

Dosage adjustment may be necessary based on renal function. Generally, the lower end of the adult dose range is considered.

Renal_impairment

Significant dosage reduction is required 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 (within minutes for IV infusion)

Excretion

Primarily renal; approximately 70% is excreted unchanged in urine within 12 hours.

Half life

Approximately 1 hour (in adults with normal renal function)

Absorption

Rapid and nearly complete absorption after intravenous administration. It is not absorbed orally.

Metabolism

Minimally metabolized; primarily hydrolyzed to an inactive metabolite.

Probenecid

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

Valproic Acid

Co-administration with meropenem may decrease valproic acid plasma concentrations, leading to subtherapeutic levels and increased risk of seizures.