Meronem 1 g Injection / Infusion (Meropenem) – 1 Vial

Description

Meronem contains Meropenem, a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used for severe bacterial infections. It is highly effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including many resistant strains. Meronem is often reserved for hospital-acquired infections or cases where first-line antibiotics are ineffective.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Meropenem 1 g (as meropenem trihydrate) per vial

• Excipients: Sodium carbonate (to adjust pH and enhance solubility)

Drug Class

• Antibiotic

• Subclass: Carbapenem (beta-lactam antibiotic)

Dosage Form

• Powder for Injection / Infusion (must be reconstituted with sterile water or compatible infusion fluid)

• Strength: 1 g per vial

Uses / Indications

Meronem is indicated for treatment of severe bacterial infections such as:

• Community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia

• Urinary tract infections (including complicated UTIs)

• Intra-abdominal infections (peritonitis, appendicitis)

• Meningitis (bacterial)

• Skin and soft tissue infections

• Sepsis and septicemia

• Infections in neutropenic patients

• Gynecological infections (pelvic inflammatory disease, postpartum infections)

Dosage

• Adults:

  • 500 mg to 1 g IV every 8 hours (depending on severity and type of infection)

  • In meningitis: 2 g IV every 8 hours

• Children (>3 months to 12 years): 10–40 mg/kg every 8 hours

  • Meningitis: up to 40 mg/kg every 8 hours

• Neonates & infants (<3 months): 20 mg/kg every 8–12 hours

• Dose adjustment required in renal impairment.

In Case of Overdose

• Symptoms: Seizures, confusion, gastrointestinal upset, abnormal liver/kidney function

• Management:

  • Supportive and symptomatic care

  • Hemodialysis can help remove drug from circulation

Missed Dose

• Administer as soon as remembered

• If close to next scheduled dose, skip missed dose — do not double

• In hospital settings, missed doses are uncommon due to professional supervision

How To Use / Administration Instructions

1. Reconstitute vial with sterile water for injection or compatible IV fluid.

2. Administer by intravenous injection (over 5 minutes) or intravenous infusion (15–30 minutes).

3. Only healthcare professionals should prepare and administer.

4. Inspect solution before use; discard if cloudy or discolored.

When Not to Use / Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to meropenem or other carbapenem antibiotics

• History of severe allergic reaction to beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins)

• Use with caution in patients with history of seizures or CNS disorders

Side Effects / Adverse Reactions

Common:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Headache

• Rash, itching

• Pain/inflammation at injection site

Serious (rare):

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema)

• Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis)

• Seizures (higher risk in renal impairment or CNS disorders)

• Abnormal liver function tests, jaundice

• Blood disorders (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia)

Precautions & Warnings

• Adjust dose in renal impairment

• Risk of seizures in patients with CNS disease or renal dysfunction

• Prolonged use may cause superinfections (fungal or resistant bacteria)

• Monitor liver and kidney function during prolonged therapy

• Pregnancy: use only if clearly needed; crosses placenta

• Lactation: small amounts may pass into breast milk; caution advised

Drug Interactions

• Valproic acid / sodium valproate: significantly reduced levels → risk of seizures

• Probenecid: increases meropenem blood levels (competition for renal excretion)

• Other antibiotics may have synergistic or antagonistic effects (consult physician)

Storage / Disposal

• Store below 25°C in a dry place

• Protect from light and moisture

• Once reconstituted, use immediately or within recommended stability time (usually up to 6–24 hours refrigerated, depending on diluent)

• Dispose of unused solution safely according to medical waste protocols

Control Drug / Prescription Status

• Prescription-only medicine

• Not a controlled substance, but restricted to hospital/medical use

Quick Tips

• Meronem is usually reserved for serious infections resistant to other antibiotics

• Complete the prescribed course even if symptoms improve

• Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease or seizure disorders

• Report severe diarrhea, rash, or breathing problems immediately

• Do not self-inject — must be given in a hospital or clinic under supervision