Meropenem

Generic name: Meropenem
Drug class: Carbapenems

Usage of Meropenem

Meropenem is an antibiotic that is used to treat severe infections of the skin or stomach.

Meropenem is also used to treat bacterial meningitis (infection that causes inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord).

Meropenem may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Meropenem side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Meropenem may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

a seizure (convulsions);

sores or white patches in your mouth or throat (yeast infection or "thrush");

severe tingling or numbness; or

low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of meropenem may include:

headache;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

rash; or

anemia.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Meropenem

You may not be able to use meropenem if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to meropenem or to certain antibiotics, such as:

Cefaclor, Cefdinir, Cefixime, Cefpodoxime, Cefprozil, Cephalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others;

avibactam, relebactam, sulbactam, tazobactam, vaborbactam, and others; or

amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Moxatag), ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

an allergy to any penicillin antibiotic;

a head injury or brain tumor;

epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Meropenem

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Meropenem is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Meropenem must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not mix other injectable medications in the same IV bag or tubing with meropenem. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Meropenem will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

If you use meropenem long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store unopened vials at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat.

After mixing your medicine, you must use it within a certain number of hours. This will depend on the diluent and how you store the mixture (at cool room temperature, or in a refrigerator). Carefully follow the mixing and storage instructions provided with your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to any antibiotic medications.

What other drugs will affect Meropenem

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

divalproex sodium;

probenecid; or

valproic acid.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect meropenem, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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