Meropenem (By injection)
mer-oh-PEN-em
Treats infections.
Drug classes
Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Meropenem injection is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It works by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth. This medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, meropenem is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Febrile neutropenia (treatment).
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how meropenem works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Divalproex sodium Probenecid Valproic acidWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to meropenem or other antibiotics, including penicillins or cephalosporins.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, a brain tumor, or a history of seizures or a condition that makes you more likely to have seizures.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
This medicine may cause seizures, headaches, or numbness. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Seizures or tremors
Severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Redness, irritation, pain, burning, or swelling where the needle is placed
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Merrem IV, Novaplus Meropenem, PremierPro Rx meropenem
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
