Meropenem (4 brand names, 2 dosage forms, 2 routes)
Available dosage forms: INJECTABLE, POWDER.
Routes of administration: INJECTION, INTRAVENOUS.
Brand Names
- MEROPENEM
- MEROPENEM AND SODIUM CHLORIDE IN DUPLEX CONTAINER
- MERREM IV
- VABOMERE
Contraindications
Meropenem for injection is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta (β)-lactams.
Adverse Reactions
The following are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: •Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] •Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] •Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] •Seizure Potential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] •Risk of Breakthrough Seizures Due to Drug Interaction with Valproic Acid [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] • Clostridioides difficile – Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] •Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] •Overgrowth of Nonsusceptible Organisms [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] •Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] •Potential for Neuromotor Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
Mechanism of Action
Meropenem is an antibacterial drug [see Microbiology (12.4)].
Overdosage
In mice and rats, large intravenous doses of meropenem (2200 mg/kg to 4000 mg/kg) have been associated with ataxia, dyspnea, convulsions, and mortalities. Intentional overdosing of meropenem for injection is unlikely, although accidental overdosing might occur if large doses are given to patients with reduced renal function. The largest dose of meropenem administered in clinical trials has been 2 grams given intravenously every 8 hours. At this dosage, no adverse pharmacological effects or increased safety risks have been observed. Limited postmarketing experience indicates that if adverse events occur following overdosage, they are consistent with the adverse event profile described in the Adverse Reactions section and are generally mild in severity and resolve on withdrawal or dose reduction. Consider symptomatic treatments. In individuals with normal renal function, rapid renal elimination takes place. Meropenem and its metabolite are readily dialyzable and effectively removed by hemodialysis; however, no information is available on the use of hemodialysis to treat overdosage.