Meropen
Generic Name
Meropenem
Manufacturer
Various Manufacturers
Country
Global
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| meropen 1 gm injection | ৳ 1,300.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of serious bacterial infections, including intra-abdominal infections, meningitis, and complicated skin and soft tissue infections. It is administered intravenously.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
500 mg to 2 gm IV every 8 hours, depending on infection severity and type. For meningitis or severe infections, 2 gm IV every 8 hours.
Elderly
Dosage adjustment may be required based on renal function.
Renal_impairment
Dosage adjustment is necessary based on creatinine clearance (e.g., CrCl 26-50 mL/min: 1 gm every 12 hr; CrCl 10-25 mL/min: 500 mg every 12 hr; CrCl <10 mL/min: 500 mg every 24 hr).
How to Take
Intravenous infusion over 15-30 minutes, or intravenous bolus injection over 3-5 minutes (for doses up to 1 gm).
Mechanism of Action
Meropenem is a bactericidal carbapenem antibiotic that 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 excreted unchanged in the urine (approximately 70% within 12 hours).
Half life
Approximately 1 hour in adults with normal renal function.
Absorption
Rapidly and completely absorbed after intravenous administration.
Metabolism
Primarily hydrolyzed by dehydropeptidase-I (DHP-I) in the kidneys, but Meropenem is stable to DHP-I. Minimal hepatic metabolism.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenems
- Severe hypersensitivity to other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins)
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Inhibits renal excretion of meropenem, increasing plasma concentrations and half-life.
Oral anticoagulants
Potentiation of anticoagulant effects.
Valproic acid / Sodium valproate
Reduced valproic acid levels, leading to loss of seizure control.
Storage
Store below 25°C in the original package. Protect from light. Reconstituted solution stable for certain hours at room temperature or refrigerated (refer to product info).
Overdose
In case of overdose, discontinue meropenem and initiate supportive treatment. Meropenem can be removed by hemodialysis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Excreted in breast milk in very low concentrations; use with caution during lactation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenems
- Severe hypersensitivity to other beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins)
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Inhibits renal excretion of meropenem, increasing plasma concentrations and half-life.
Oral anticoagulants
Potentiation of anticoagulant effects.
Valproic acid / Sodium valproate
Reduced valproic acid levels, leading to loss of seizure control.
Storage
Store below 25°C in the original package. Protect from light. Reconstituted solution stable for certain hours at room temperature or refrigerated (refer to product info).
Overdose
In case of overdose, discontinue meropenem and initiate supportive treatment. Meropenem can be removed by hemodialysis.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Excreted in breast milk in very low concentrations; use with caution during lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years (refer to specific product label)
Availability
Hospitals, Pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Meropenem has been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials for its efficacy and safety across various severe bacterial infections. Ongoing research explores its role in emerging resistant pathogens.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function tests (creatinine, BUN)
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST)
- Complete blood count (CBC) with differential
- Therapeutic drug monitoring (in specific cases)
Doctor Notes
- Consider appropriate dosage adjustment in patients with renal impairment.
- Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions, especially in patients with a history of beta-lactam allergy.
- Use empirical treatment based on local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns.
Patient Guidelines
- Inform your doctor about all existing medical conditions and medications.
- Report any signs of allergic reactions immediately.
- Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment.
- Store as directed by healthcare professional.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as remembered. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
May cause dizziness or convulsions, which could impair 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.
- Follow a balanced diet.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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