Meropen 500 mg/vial IV Injection or Infusion

Meropen IV Injection or Infusion — Meropenem Trihydrate

Indications

Meropen injection is indicated for treatment in adults and children for the following infections caused by single or multiple bacteria sensitive to Meropen.

Pneumonia and Nosocomial Pneumonia
Urinary Tract Infections
Intra-abdominal Infections
Gynaecological Infections, such as endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease ... Read moreMeropen injection is indicated for treatment in adults and children for the following infections caused by single or multiple bacteria sensitive to Meropen.

Pneumonia and Nosocomial Pneumonia
Urinary Tract Infections
Intra-abdominal Infections
Gynaecological Infections, such as endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease
Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Meningitis
Septicaemia
Pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis
Empiric treatment for presumed infections in patients with febrile neutropenia.

Mechanism of Action

Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic for parenteral use . It exerts its bactericidal action by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. It penetrates bacterial cell walls, its high level of stability to all serine beta-lactamases and its marked affinity for the Penicillin Binding Proteins (PBPs.). It shows potent bactericidal activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Contraindications

Meropenem is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to this product.

Side Effects

Meropen is generally well tolerated. Side effects like inflammation, thrombophlebitis, pain at the site of injection, skin reactions like rash, pruritus, urticaria, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache may occur.

Drug Interactions

Probenecid competes with Meropen for active tubular secretion and thus inhibits the renal excretion, with the effect of increasing the elimination half-life and plasma concentration of meropenem. Meropen may reduce serum valproic acid levels. Sub therapeutic levels may be reached in some patients.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. So this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Meropenem is administered to a nursing woman.

Precautions and Warnings

If an allergic reaction to Meropen occurs, the drug should be discontinued and appropriate measures taken. Use of Meropen in patients with hepatic disease should be made with careful monitoring of transaminase and bilirubin levels.

Use in Special Populations

Renal impairment: Dosage should be reduced in patients with creatinine clearance less than 51 ml/min.Hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustments are necessary with impairment of liver function. Hemodialysis patients should receive Meropen after dialysis has been completed.Elderly: No dosage adjustments are necessary in elderly patients unless creatinine clearance is <51 ml/min.Use in Children: Efficacy and tolerability in infants under 3 months have not been established.

Overdose

Accidental overdose could occur during therapy, particularly in patients with renal impairment. Treatment of overdose should be symptomatic. In normal individuals, rapid renal elimination will occur; in subjects with renal impairment, haemodialysis will remove Meropen and its metabolite.

Storage

Vial store in a cool, dry place (below 30oC), away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.