Meropenem : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Meropenem is a newer carbapenem antibiotic which is not hydrolysed by renal peptidase; does not need to be protected by cilastatin. It is used for treating infections caused by certain bacteria.
Dose : 0.5-2.0 g (10-40 mg/kg) by slow i.v. injection 8 hourly
Route : IV
Onset of action : ?
Plasma Half-life : 1 hour
Duration of action : ?
Bioavailability : 100%
Plasma protein binding : Approx. 2%
Metabolism : ?
Pregnancy risk category : B
Chemical formula : C17H25N3O5S
IUPAC name : (4R,5S,6S)-3-(((3S,5S)-5-(Dimethylcarbamoyl)pyrrolidin-3-yl)thio)-6-((R)-1-hydroxyethyl)-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid
Trade name : Merrem, Meronam, Menem, Ubpenem
Antibacterial spectrum : Like imipenem, Meropenem is active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, aerobes as well as anaerobes; somewhat more potent on gram-negative aerobes, but less potent on gram-positive cocci.
Therapeutic uses : Meropenem is a reserve drug for the treatment of serious nosocomial infections like septicaemia, febrile neutropenia, intraabdominal and pelvic infections, etc. caused by cephalosporin-resistant bacteria.
For P. aeruginosa infections, it should be combined with an aminoglycoside.
Mechanism of action : Carbapenems inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Side effects : Meropenem can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and skin rashes. Unlike imipenem, it is less likely to cause seizures. Other possible side effects are as following :
- Nausea,
- Injection-site inflammation,
- Headache,
- Hypersensitivity Reactions,
- Thrombophlebitis,
- Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea,
- Risk of Breakthrough Seizures Due to Drug Interaction with Valproic Acid,
- Overgrowth of Nonsusceptible Organisms,
- Thrombocytopenia,
- Potential for Neuromotor Impairment.
Drug Interactions :
- Probenecid : Probenecid competes with Meropenem for active tubular secretion, resulting in increased plasma concentrations.
- Valproic Acid : The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures.
Contraindications :
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta (β)-lactams.
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
