Meropen
Generic Name
meropen-500-mg-injection
Manufacturer
Various generic manufacturers worldwide; originally developed by AstraZeneca
Country
Global
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| meropen 500 mg injection | ৳ 700.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used to treat a wide range of serious bacterial infections, including pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, meningitis, and skin and soft tissue infections. It is administered intravenously.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Adults: 500 mg to 2 g intravenously (IV) every 8 hours, depending on the type and severity of infection. For bacterial meningitis, 2 g IV every 8 hours. For febrile neutropenia, 1 g IV every 8 hours.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment based solely on age, but renal function should be assessed, and dosage adjusted accordingly.
Renal_impairment
Dosage must be reduced in patients with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min. For CrCl 26-50 mL/min, 1/2 usual dose every 12 hours; for CrCl 10-25 mL/min, 1/2 usual dose every 24 hours; for CrCl <10 mL/min, 1/4 usual dose every 24 hours.
How to Take
Administer by intravenous infusion over 15 to 30 minutes or by intravenous bolus injection over 3 to 5 minutes for doses up to 1 gram. It should be reconstituted with an appropriate sterile diluent (e.g., Water for Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride, 5% Dextrose).
Mechanism of Action
Meropenem is a bactericidal antibiotic that acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) inside the bacterial cell, preventing the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, which is crucial for bacterial cell wall integrity and strength.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Rapid, typically within minutes of IV administration.
Excretion
Primarily renal excretion (approximately 70% as unchanged drug and 25% as the inactive metabolite within 12 hours).
Half life
Approximately 1 hour.
Absorption
Rapid and complete after intravenous administration.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized; primarily hydrolyzed to an inactive metabolite (RING-OPENED metabolite).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenem antibiotics
- Severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction, severe skin reaction) to any other beta-lactam antibacterial agents (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins)
Drug Interactions
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 subtherapeutic levels and risk of seizures. Co-administration is generally not recommended.
Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
Increased anticoagulant effect, requiring close monitoring of INR.
Storage
Store unopened vials at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C), excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solution stability varies, use promptly.
Overdose
In the event of an overdose, discontinue meropenem. Management should be symptomatic and supportive. Hemodialysis can effectively remove meropenem and its metabolite from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm, but adequate studies in pregnant women are lacking. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Meropenem is excreted in human milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenem antibiotics
- Severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylactic reaction, severe skin reaction) to any other beta-lactam antibacterial agents (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins)
Drug Interactions
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 subtherapeutic levels and risk of seizures. Co-administration is generally not recommended.
Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin)
Increased anticoagulant effect, requiring close monitoring of INR.
Storage
Store unopened vials at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C), excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solution stability varies, use promptly.
Overdose
In the event of an overdose, discontinue meropenem. Management should be symptomatic and supportive. Hemodialysis can effectively remove meropenem and its metabolite from the body.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm, but adequate studies in pregnant women are lacking. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Meropenem is excreted in human milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years for unopened vials. Reconstituted solutions have limited stability (e.g., 1 hour at room temperature or 8-12 hours under refrigeration, depending on diluent).
Availability
Available in hospitals and retail pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Meropenem has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating efficacy and safety across various severe bacterial infections, including pediatric and adult populations. Ongoing surveillance studies continue to monitor resistance patterns.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function tests (creatinine, BUN)
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- INR/PTT if co-administered with anticoagulants
Doctor Notes
- Monitor renal function closely, especially in elderly or renally impaired patients, and adjust dose accordingly.
- Exercise caution in patients with a history of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, as seizures have been reported.
- Cross-hypersensitivity with other beta-lactams is possible; inquire about penicillin/cephalosporin allergies.
- Risk of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) should be considered.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you feel better.
- Report any severe or persistent side effects to your doctor immediately.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
- Do not use leftover medication for future infections.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Meropenem may cause dizziness or, rarely, seizures. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how meropenem affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain adequate hydration during treatment.
- Avoid self-medication and strictly follow the doctor's instructions.
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International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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