Meropenem is administered intravenously either as a bolus injection (3-5 minutes) or as an infusion (15-30 minutes). The powder must be reconstituted with an appropriate solvent (e.g., Sterile Water for Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride) prior to administration.

Meropenem works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located in the bacterial cell wall, which prevents the cross-linking of peptidoglycan polymers, leading to cell lysis and bacterial death.

• •Known hypersensitivity to meropenem or any other carbapenem antibiotics.
• •Known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.
• •Severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction, severe skin reaction) to any other beta-lactam antibacterial agents (e.g., penicillins or cephalosporins).

Store dry powder vials below 30°C (86°F) and protect from light. Reconstituted solution should be used immediately or stored as per manufacturer's instructions, typically for a limited time (e.g., up to 12 hours at room temperature or 48 hours under refrigeration).

Limited experience with meropenem overdose. In the event of an overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Meropenem can be removed by hemodialysis.

Pregnancy Category B: Animal studies have not shown evidence of fetal harm, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Meropenem should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Lactation: Meropenem is excreted in human milk in very low concentrations. Caution should be exercised when meropenem is administered to a nursing woman. The benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the potential risks to the infant.