Meropenem injection belongs to the antibiotic class of medications. It kills the bacteria that cause infection. It is also known as Merrem, an intravenous -lactam antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
Before you begin using this, and each time you get a refill, read the Patient Information Leaflet if it is available from your pharmacist. If you have any worries, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is usually administered every 8 hours by injection into the vein as directed by your doctor.
If you are using this medication at home, make sure you understand all preparation and usage instructions from your doctor. Before using, visually inspect this product for particles or discoloration. If either of these conditions exists, do not use the liquid. Learn how to safely store and dispose of medical supplies.
The dosage depends on your medical condition as well as your response to treatment. The dosage for children is also determined by their age and weight.
Use this antibiotic at evenly spaced intervals for the best results. Use this medication at the same time(s) every day to help you remember.
Here are important precautions to consider before using meropenem:
Allergies:
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to meropenem, carbapenems, penicillins, cephalosporins, or any other medications. Inactive ingredients in meropenem can also cause allergic reactions.
Medical History:
Discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have brain disorders (such as seizures or head injury), kidney disease, or gastrointestinal diseases (like colitis).
Side Effects:
Be aware that meropenem may cause rare side effects such as headaches, numbness or tingling of the skin or seizures.
Sodium Content:
Some forms of meropenem contain sodium. If you are on a salt-restricted diet or have conditions like congestive heart failure that can worsen with increased salt intake, consult your doctor.
Vaccinations:
Meropenem can reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine). Avoid immunizations or vaccinations unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Meropenem is not recommended during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Meropenem is excreted in breast milk, so consult your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
What are the Interactions of Meropenem?
Drug interactions can affect the way your medications function or put you at risk for serious side effects. Valproic acid and related drugs are examples of products that may interact with this medication (such as divalproex sodium, sodium valproate).
What are the consequences of an overdose of Meropenem?
If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately. Never take more doses than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.
What to do if a Meropenem dose is missed?
It is necessary to take each dose of this medication on time. If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to arrange for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
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The medicine should not come in direct contact with heat, air, light and may damage your medicines. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and far away from children’s reach.
Meropenem vs Ertapenem
Meropenem
Ertapenem
This injection belongs to the antibiotic class of medications. It kills the bacteria causing infections.
Ertapenem belongs to the carbapenem antibiotics class of drugs. These injections are used to treat infections of the abdomen, lungs, upper part of the female reproductive system, and diabetic foot.
This injection is used to treat bacterial skin and abdominal infections, as well as meningitis in adults and children 3 months and older.
Ertapenem injection is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia and urinary tract, skin, diabetic foot, gynecological, pelvic, and abdominal infections. It is also used to prevent infections after colorectal surgery.
It kills the bacteria that cause infection., injection, is ineffective against colds, flu, and other viral infections.
It works by destroying bacteria. Colds, flu, and other viral infections will not respond to antibiotics such as ertapenem injection.
Meropenem is used to treat bacterial skin and abdominal infections, as well as infections of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) in adults and children.
2. Is meropenem a strong antibiotic?
Yes, meropenem is a broad-spectrum antibiotic from the carbapenem family, often used as empirical therapy before identifying the specific causative organisms in serious infections in both adults and children.
3. How long does meropenem take to work?
Meropenem typically begins to work within hours after administration, with noticeable improvements in symptoms often seen within 24 to 48 hours. The exact time may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response.
4. Does meropenem treat urinary tract infections (UTI)?
Yes, meropenem, often in combination with vaborbactam, is used to treat serious bacterial infections of the urinary tract, including kidney infections.
5. Is meropenem safe in renal failure?
Meropenem can be used in patients with renal impairment, although dosage adjustments may be necessary. Seizures related to meropenem are uncommon (0.1%) in these patients.
6. Is meropenem used to treat sepsis?
Yes, meropenem is commonly used to treat hospital-acquired infections, including sepsis or septic shock, where early and appropriate antibiotic therapy is crucial.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.
