Generic name: meropenem [ MER-oh-PEN-em ]
Brand names: Merrem, Merrem Novaplus
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (1000 mg; 2 g; 500 mg)
Drug class: Carbapenems

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 26, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is meropenem?

Meropenem is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin and stomach in adults and children at least 3 months old.

Meropenem is also used in adults and children at least 3 months old to treat bacterial meningitis (an infection that causes inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord) with or without bacteremia (a bacterial infection in the blood).

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 (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

• seizures;

• signs of thrush (a fungal infection)--sores or white patches in your mouth or throat, trouble swallowing;

• pain, swelling, burning, or irritation around the IV needle; or

• confusion, weakness, numbness, tingling, burning pain.

Common side effects of meropenem may include:

• headache;

• thrush (a fungal infection), tongue swelling;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

• rash; or

• anemia (low red blood cells).

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.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use meropenem if you are allergic to it, or if you have an allergy or had a life-threatening allergic reaction to similar antibiotics such as imipenem and cilastatin, cephalexin, cefdinir, ceftriaxone, amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin, and others.

You should not use certain brand forms of meropenem if you need to follow a low-salt or sodium-free diet.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• any other allergies;

• if you are on a low-salt diet;

• congestive heart failure;

• a head injury, epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I 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 may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use meropenem by yourself.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Be sure you understand how to properly mix this medicine and how to store the mixture, if needed.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Meropenem will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood and kidney function may need to be tested often.

Meropenem is usually given for as long as needed after lab tests show that the infection has cleared, or for several weeks for very severe infections. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, doxycycline, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, metronidazole, triamcinolone, ceftriaxone, clindamycin, levofloxacin

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using meropenem?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how meropenem will affect you. This medicine may cause dizziness, seizures, or confusion and this may impair your reactions or cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

What other drugs will affect meropenem?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• valproic acid, divalproex sodium; or

• probenecid.

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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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