Meropenem

Class: Carbapenem antibiotic

Mechanism of Action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to bacterial cell lysis. Broad spectrum against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria.

Indications

• Severe hospital-acquired infections
• Complicated intra-abdominal infections
• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia
• Bacterial meningitis
• Febrile neutropenia (empiric therapy)

Dosage

• Adults: 500 mg to 2 g IV every 8 hours (depending on infection severity)
• Children (≥3 months): 20–40 mg/kg IV every 8 hours (Max: 2 g per dose)
• Meningitis (children): 40 mg/kg IV every 8 hours

Maximum Dose

6 g/day (adults)

Side Effects

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Rash, hypersensitivity reactions
• Headache
• Thrombophlebitis at injection site
• Seizures (rare, especially in CNS disease or renal impairment)

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to carbapenems, beta-lactams, or excipients
• Caution in patients with history of seizures or CNS disorders

Compatible Fluids

• 0.9% Sodium Chloride
• 5% Dextrose

Route of Administration

• Intravenous (IV) injection
• Intravenous infusion

Type of Administration

IV injection (bolus over 5 minutes) or infusion (15–30 minutes).

Special Precautions

• Adjust dose in renal impairment (CrCl < 50 mL/min)
• Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity reactions
• Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders
• Prolonged use may lead to superinfection (e.g., C. difficile colitis)