MEROPENEM (mer-o'pe-nem) Merrem Classifications: carbapenem antibiotic; Therapeutic: carbapenem antibiotic Prototype: Imipenem Pregnancy Category: B |
500 mg, 1 g injection
Broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic that inhibits the cell wall synthesis of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by its strong affinity for penicillin-binding proteins of bacterial cell wall.
Effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. High resistance to most bacterial beta-lactamases.
Complicated appendicitis and peritonitis, bacterial meningitis caused by susceptible bacteria, complicated skin infections, intraabdominal infections, skin/soft tissue infections.
Febrile neutropenia.
Hypersensitivity to meropenem, other carbapenem antibiotics including imipenem, penicillins, cephalosporins, or other beta-lactams. Safety and effectiveness in infants <3 mo not established.
History of asthma or allergies, renal impairment, renal disease; epileptics, history of neurologic disorders, older adult, pregnancy (category B). Safety and effectiveness in infants <3 mo not established.
Intraabdominal Infections Adult/Child (>50 kg): IV 1 g q8h Child (≥3 mo, <50 kg): IV 20 mg/kg q8h (max: 1 g q8h) Bacterial Meningitis Adult/Child (>50 kg): IV 2 g q8h Child (≥3 mo, <50 kg): IV 40 mg/kg q8h (max: 2 g q8h) Complicated Skin Infection Adult/Child (>50 kg): IV 500 mg q8h Child (>3 mo, <50 kg): IV 10 mg/kg q8h (max: 500 mg q8h) Renal Impairment Clcr 2650 mL/min: q12h; 1025 mL/min: ? dose q12h; <10 mL/min: ? dose q24h |
Intravenous
PREPARE: Direct: Reconstitute the 500-mg or 1-g vial, respectively, by adding 10 or 20 mL sterile water for injection to yield approximately 50 mg/mL. Shake to dissolve and let stand until clear. IV Infusion: Further dilute in 50250 mL of D5W, NS, or D5/NS. ADMINISTER: Direct: Give doses of 520 mL over 35 min. IV Infusion: Give over 1530 min. INCOMPATIBILITIES Solution/additive: D5W, Ringer's lactate, mannitol, amphotericin B, metronidazole, multivitamins, sodium bicarbonate. Y-site: Amphotericin B, diazepam, doxycycline, metronidazole, ondansetron, zidovudine. |
Assessment & Drug Effects
Patient & Family Education