Merom
Generic Name
Meropenem
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| merom 1 gm injection | ৳ 1,100.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic used to treat various severe bacterial infections, including intra-abdominal and skin infections, and meningitis.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 0.5-2 gm IV every 8 hours, depending on infection type and severity. For meningitis, 2 gm IV every 8 hours.
Elderly
Dosage adjustment may be required based on renal function and overall health status.
Renal_impairment
Dosage adjustment needed based on creatinine clearance (e.g., lower doses or extended dosing intervals for CrCl <50 mL/min).
How to Take
Administered intravenously over 15-30 minutes as an infusion, or as a 3-5 minute intravenous bolus for lower doses (e.g., 500 mg).
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to bacterial cell lysis and death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Rapid, typically within minutes of IV administration.
Excretion
Primarily via urine (approximately 70% as unchanged drug and 30% as its metabolite) within 12 hours.
Half life
Approximately 1 hour in adults with normal renal function.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after intravenous (IV) administration with approximately 100% bioavailability.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized; primarily hydrolyzed to an inactive open-ring lactam metabolite.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenem antibiotics.
- Severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction, severe skin reaction) to any other beta-lactam antibiotic (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion, inhibiting its renal excretion and increasing meropenem plasma levels and half-life. Concomitant use is generally not recommended unless benefits outweigh risks.
Valproic Acid
Co-administration with meropenem significantly decreases valproic acid plasma levels, leading to loss of seizure control. Avoid concomitant use.
Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
Increased INR/prothrombin time has been reported when meropenem is co-administered with oral anticoagulants.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solutions should be used immediately or stored as per specific instructions (e.g., up to X hours at room temperature or Y hours under refrigeration).
Overdose
In the event of an overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Meropenem can be removed by hemodialysis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus. Meropenem is excreted into human breast milk in very low concentrations; caution advised when administered to a nursing woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenem antibiotics.
- Severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction, severe skin reaction) to any other beta-lactam antibiotic (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins).
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion, inhibiting its renal excretion and increasing meropenem plasma levels and half-life. Concomitant use is generally not recommended unless benefits outweigh risks.
Valproic Acid
Co-administration with meropenem significantly decreases valproic acid plasma levels, leading to loss of seizure control. Avoid concomitant use.
Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
Increased INR/prothrombin time has been reported when meropenem is co-administered with oral anticoagulants.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solutions should be used immediately or stored as per specific instructions (e.g., up to X hours at room temperature or Y hours under refrigeration).
Overdose
In the event of an overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Meropenem can be removed by hemodialysis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus. Meropenem is excreted into human breast milk in very low concentrations; caution advised when administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years for unreconstituted powder, varies by manufacturer. Reconstituted solution must be used promptly.
Availability
Hospitals, pharmacies
Approval Status
FDA approved, widely approved
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Meropenem has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety across a wide range of bacterial infections in various patient populations, leading to its global approval.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function tests (creatinine, BUN) before and during therapy, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST) periodically during prolonged therapy.
- Complete blood count (CBC) during prolonged therapy.
- INR/Prothrombin time if co-administered with anticoagulants.
Doctor Notes
- Thorough patient history regarding hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics is crucial before administration.
- Close monitoring of renal function and appropriate dosage adjustment is essential in patients with renal impairment.
- Monitor for CNS side effects, particularly seizures, especially in patients with pre-existing CNS disorders or compromised renal function.
- For severe infections, consider higher doses or extended infusion protocols as per local guidelines and susceptibility data.
Patient Guidelines
- Inform your doctor about any allergies, especially to antibiotics.
- Complete the full prescribed course of treatment, even if you feel better, to prevent recurrence and resistance.
- Report any severe or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider immediately.
- Do not take this medicine for viral infections like the common cold or flu.
Missed Dose Advice
Administer the missed dose as soon as remembered. 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.
Driving Precautions
Meropenem may cause dizziness or seizures, especially in susceptible patients. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how the drug affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Practice good hygiene to prevent further infections.
- Follow any dietary recommendations given by your doctor.
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Global Brand Names
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