What is Meropenem: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Meropenem overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Meropenem Novaplus, Merrem IV, PremierPro Rx Meropenem

Generic Names:

  • Meropenem

Uses:

  • Treats infections.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Meropenem used for?

Meropenem is a carbapenem-type antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is used to treat severe infections of the skin or stomach caused by bacteria.

What form(s) does Meropenem come in

  • Injectable

What are common Meropenem doses?

  • Solution Reconstituted 1GM

  • Solution Reconstituted 500MG

Common Meropenem prescriptions

  • Meropenem
    1gm solution reconstituted

  • Meropenem
    500mg solution reconstituted

How to take Meropenem

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. The medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for at least 15 to 30 minutes.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. The medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for at least 15 to 30 minutes.

Meropenem contraindications

  • 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.

Meropenem warnings

  • This medicine may cause serious skin reactions.

  • This medicine may cause seizures, confusion, headaches, or numbness. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • 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.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • 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.

Meropenem interactions

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Some medicines can affect how meropenem works. Tell your doctor if you are using divalproex sodium, probenecid, or valproic acid.

  • 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.

Meropenem side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever

  • 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, red skin rash

  • Seizures or tremors

  • Unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Redness, irritation, pain, burning, or swelling where the needle is placed

  • Headache