Meropenem

Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Serious infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including complicated intra-abdominal infections.
• Complicated skin and soft-tissue infections.
• Severe pneumonia, including hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia where locally approved and clinically appropriate.
• Complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis, where locally approved and clinically appropriate.
• Acute bacterial meningitis caused by susceptible organisms.
• Febrile neutropenia when a bacterial infection is suspected, according to local guidelines.

Meropenem injection is given by intravenous injection or infusion by trained healthcare staff. Adult dosing is usually repeated at regular intervals during the day, but the exact dose, interval, infusion duration, and treatment length depend on the infection type and severity, kidney function, body weight, culture results, and local guidelines. Dose adjustment is required in renal impairment. Always follow the prescribing doctor’s instructions and do not stop treatment early unless advised.

• Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, headache, rash, itching, and pain or inflammation at the injection site.
• Laboratory changes may include increased liver enzymes, changes in blood counts, or altered kidney function tests.
• Serious: severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, severe skin reactions, seizures, confusion, and antibiotic-associated colitis including Clostridioides difficile diarrhoea.
• Seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, severe rash, persistent or bloody diarrhoea, or seizures.

Use caution in people with a history of allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, or other beta-lactam antibiotics; kidney disease; seizures or other central nervous system disorders; or a history of severe antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Kidney function and clinical response may need monitoring, especially in older adults or critically ill patients. Use under a registered doctor’s or pharmacist’s guidance.

• Valproic acid or divalproex: Meropenem can markedly reduce valproate levels and increase the risk of seizures; combined use is generally avoided.
• Probenecid: may increase Meropenem blood levels by reducing renal elimination; combined use is usually not recommended.
• Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants: antibiotics may affect INR; monitoring may be needed.
• Live oral typhoid vaccine: antibiotic treatment may reduce vaccine effectiveness; timing should be guided by a healthcare professional.
• No major food interaction is established for intravenous Meropenem.

• Known hypersensitivity to Meropenem or any component of the injection.
• Previous serious hypersensitivity reaction to a carbapenem antibiotic.
• History of severe immediate allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to other beta-lactam antibiotics including penicillins or cephalosporins, unless a specialist determines it is safe.

During pregnancy, Meropenem should be used only when clearly needed and when the expected benefit justifies any potential risk. Small amounts may pass into breast milk; breastfeeding patients should use it only on medical advice and monitor the infant for diarrhoea, rash, or thrush.

Store the unopened vial as directed on the product label, usually at room temperature, protected from excessive heat, moisture, and light. Keep out of reach of children. After reconstitution or dilution, use promptly according to hospital or manufacturer instructions; do not use if the solution is discoloured or contains particles.