Indications
Meropenem injection is indicated for treatment in adults and children for the following infections caused by single or multiple bacteria sensitive to Meropenem.
Pneumonia and Nosocomial Pneumonia
Urinary Tract Infections
Intra-abdominal Infections
Gynaecological Infections, such as endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease
Skin and Skin Structure Infections
Meningitis
Septicaemia
Pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis
Empiric treatment for presumed infections in patients with febrile neutropenia.
Dosage & Administration
The dosage and duration of therapy shall be established depending on type, severity of infection and the condition of the patient. The recommended daily dosage is as follows-
Adults:
The usual dose is 500 mg to 1 gm by intravenous administration every 8 hours.
Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, gynaecological infections such as endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, skin and skin structure infections: 500 mg IV every 8 hours.
Nosocomial pneumonias, peritonitis, presumed infections in neutropenic patients and septicaemia: 1 g IV every 8 hours.
Intra-abdominal infections: 500 mg to 1 gm every 8 hours.
Cystic fibrosis: Upto 2 gm every 8 hours.
Meningitis: 2 gm IV every 8 hours.
Meropenem should be administered by intravenous Infusion over approximately 15-30 minutes or as intravenous bolus (5 to 20 ml) over approximately 3-5 minutes
Contraindications
Meropenem is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to this product.
Side Effects
Meropenem is generally well tolerated. Side effects like inflammation, thrombophlebitis, pain at the site of injection, skin reactions like rash, pruritus, urticaria, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache may occur.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. So this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Meropenem is administered to a nursing woman.
Child Dose
3 months to 12 years: 10 to 40 mg/kg intravenously every 8 hours depending on type and severity of infection, susceptibility of the pathogens and the condition of the patient.
Intra-abdominal infections: 20 mg/kg every 8 hours.
Cystic fibrosis (4-18 years): 25-40 mg/kg every 8 hours.
Meningitis: 40 mg/kg IV every 8 hours.
Febrile neutropenia: 20 mg/kg every 8 hours.
Children over 50 kg weight: use adult dosage.
There is no experience in children with hepatic or renal impairment.
Precautions
If an allergic reaction to Meropenem occurs, the drug should be discontinued and appropriate measures taken. Use of Meropenem in patients with hepatic disease should be made with careful monitoring of transaminase and bilirubin levels.