meropenem Health Article

Generic name(s):

meropenem

Brand name(s):

Merrem

What is the most important information I should know about meropenem?

Do not take meropenem without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to meropenem, imipenem (Primaxin), a penicillin antibiotic, or a cephalosporin antibiotic.

What is meropenem?

Meropenem is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.

Meropenem is used in the treatment of infections of the abdomen, such as appendicitis and peritonitis, bacterial meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain), and skin infections.

Meropenem may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking meropenem?

Do not take meropenem without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to meropenem, imipenem (Primaxin), a penicillin antibiotic, or a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Before taking meropenem, talk to your doctor if you have

• a head injury or brain tumor;

• epilepsy or a seizure disorder; or

• kidney disease.

You may not be able to use meropenem, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Meropenem is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use meropenem without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether meropenem passes into breast milk. Do not take meropenem without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take meropenem?

Meropenem will be administered as an intravenous (into a vein) injection by a healthcare provider.

If you are using meropenem at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regarding preparation, administration, and storage of the medication.

It is important to take meropenem regularly to get the most benefit.

Take all of the meropenem that has been prescribed for you, even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with meropenem to monitor progress and side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since meropenem is usually administered by a healthcare provider, missing a dose is not likely to occur.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of meropenem is suspected.

Symptoms of a meropenem overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking meropenem?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities during treatment with meropenem unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of meropenem?

If you experience a rare but serious side effects, stop taking meropenem and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)

• seizures;

• severe or watery diarrhea;

• a skin rash;

• unusual tiredness or weakness; or

• unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use meropenem and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• nausea or vomiting;

• diarrhea or constipation;

• headache; or

• soreness, redness, or mild swelling at the injection site.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect meropenem?

Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking meropenem if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about meropenem written for health professionals that you may read.