Meronem

What is it?

An antibiotic and carbapenem available as a powder in vials for reconstitution and injection, in two different strengths containing 500mg or 1 g of meropenem.

Medical Uses

Infections of the urinary tract, skin and soft tissues, pneumonia, intra-abdominal and gynaecological infections, septicaemia, meningitis, febrile neutropenia, chronic infections of the lower respiratory tract associated with cystic fibrosis.

Dosage

Adults, 500mg to 1 g 8-hourly; for meningitis, 2g at 8 hour intervals; for cystic fibrosis, up to 2g every 8 hours. All doses given by intravenous bolus injection all at once over 5 minutes or by intravenous infusion over 15 to 30 minutes. Children, aged 3 months to 12 years, 10 to 20mg per kg of body weight 8- hourly. For meningitis, 40mg per kg of body weight 8-hourly; cystic fibrosis (aged 4 to 18 years) 25 to 40mg per kg of body weight 8- hourly. To be given by intravenous bolus injection all at once over 5 minutes or infused intravenously over 15 to 30 minutes. Special cure: pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver disorder, previous colitis.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Sodium valproate, probenecid, nephrotoxic drugs.

Known Side Effects

Candidiasis, haematological effects, gastrointestinal upset, rash, abdominal pain, pseudomembranous colitis.

Manufacturer

Astrazeneea.